Trump boards Air Force One
The American president, after the conclusion of the summit, is departing for the United States.
Why didn’t Netanyahu attend the summit?
An Israeli Channel 12 report explained the reasons why Benjamin Netanyahu did not attend the Egypt peace summit.
According to the network, Netanyahu chose not to attend in order to avoid backlash from his political base over appearing alongside Mahmoud Abbas and other Middle Eastern leaders. The Israeli Prime Minister has long maintained that the Palestinian Authority should play no role in Gaza’s postwar administration and has compared Ramallah—which supports a two-state solution—to Hamas.
Additionally, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who was present at the summit, has been one of Israel’s harshest critics throughout the Gaza war, at one point comparing Netanyahu to Hitler.
Four hostage bodies en route to Israel
Four of the total 28 bodies have been handed over to Israeli authorities, the IDF confirmed, without naming the victims.
The coffins will be transferred to the National Forensic Center for identification.
Before crossing from Gaza into Israel, IDF soldiers will cover the hostages’ coffins with Israeli flags, pay military honors, and recite a chapter from the Book of Psalms in their memory, according to the Israeli military.
Donald Trump will be honored with Egypt’s highest distinction, the Order of the Nile, the Egyptian president announced. This award is considered the “highest state honor” in Egypt and is bestowed “on heads of state or those who provide significant services to humanity.”
Pakistan’s Prime Minister: I will nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize
The Prime Minister of Pakistan stated that he had previously nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize and that he is nominating him again for achieving the historic peace agreement in the Middle East.
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi stated that the agreements reached for Gaza “pave the way for a new era of peace and security in the Middle East.” He emphasized that “the end of the war in Gaza must be the end of all wars in the region,” adding that his country will host a summit for Gaza’s reconstruction. Al-Sisi also noted that a two-state solution is “the only way to fulfill the hopes of both the Palestinian and Israeli people for ending the conflict.”
“Peace is not achieved by countries and states, but by people who are convinced that yesterday’s enemies are today’s friends,” he said. As he introduced Trump on stage, al-Sisi expressed “my great appreciation for President Trump’s efforts.”
Trump, speaking at Sharm El-Sheikh after the signing, said, “This is the day people across the region and around the world have worked, struggled, hoped, and prayed for.” He added, “We achieved what everyone thought was impossible; finally, we have peace in the Middle East. It is so beautiful to see a new and bright day dawning. And now the rebuilding begins.” Trump also expressed his “immense gratitude to the Arab and Muslim countries” that, he said, “helped make this incredible progress possible.”
Trump: We achieved what everyone thought was impossible; now the rebuilding begins.
Donald Trump took the stage in Sharm El Sheikh after the signing ceremony. As he said, “This is the day that people across the region and around the world have worked for, struggled for, hoped for, and prayed for.”
“We achieved what everyone thought was impossible. Finally, we have peace in the Middle East,” he continued, adding, “It’s so beautiful to see a new and wonderful day dawning. And now the rebuilding begins.”
Trump expressed his “immense gratitude to the Arab and Muslim countries” that, he said, “helped make this incredible progress possible.”
Israeli authorities announced that on Monday Hamas handed over four coffins containing the bodies of deceased hostages to the Red Cross. Two of these have already been delivered by the Red Cross to Israeli forces at a location within Gaza, while the other two are currently en route, according to the latest statement from the Israeli army and the Israeli Security Agency.
Earlier, Hamas had stated that it would return four bodies on Monday, naming Daniel Peretz, Yossi Sharabi, Guy Iluz, and Bipin Joshi as the hostages whose remains would be returned. Israel has not confirmed the identities of the remains being returned. Press statements are being given by Trump and Sisi following the signing ceremonies.
Erdoğan to Meloni: “You should quit smoking”
The brief conversation between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the sidelines of the Gaza summit in Sharm El-Sheikh was full of pleasantries and advice.
“We arrived together at the airport,” the Italian Prime Minister said in English to the Turkish President, asking him how he was doing.
Trump on Erdoğan: “He’s tough, but he’s my friend”
Donald Trump spoke flattering words about Recep Tayyip Erdoğan ahead of the signing of the peace pact for Gaza, noting that Turkey is one of the four guarantor powers (alongside the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar).
“Erdoğan commands one of the strongest armies in the world. He is much more powerful than he lets on. He has won many conflicts, but he doesn’t seek credit for them. He just wants to be left alone,” the U.S. President said about his Turkish counterpart.
Trump on the Agreement: “We Did It… After 3,000 Years!”
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke at the signing ceremony of the Middle East peace agreement in Egypt. Seated beside him were the leaders of the guarantor powers: Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar.
“As you can see, this is probably the largest gathering of countries in terms of wealth and power ever, and it is a great honor to be part of it,” Trump said ahead of the signing.
“It took 3,000 years, can you believe it? And it will last. This is an incredible day for the world,” he added, continuing: “The agreement is so big that it will prevent a Third World War—which could have erupted in the Middle East.”
The Sharm El-Sheikh Summit on Peace in Gaza Begins
Trump Signs the Relevant Documents to End the War in Gaza
On October 13, 2025, the hospital in Israel designated to receive the released hostages was fully prepared for their arrival. Relatives and friends welcomed the hostages with songs and dances as they were transferred to the facility. The hospital director confirmed that all necessary mechanisms were in place to provide them with specialized care. Having returned to Israel after two years in captivity, the hostages are undergoing thorough medical examinations. Once cleared as healthy, they will be reunited with their families, and in the coming days they will continue to receive ongoing medical and psychological support.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino was present at the Egypt summit, maintaining very good relations with Donald Trump.
In Sharm el-Sheikh, Mitsotakis shakes hands with Donald Trump
“Now, the leaders must ensure that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is maintained, that the bodies of the remaining dead hostages in Gaza are returned to their families, and that humanitarian aid is allowed into the Gaza Strip,” said Sisi.
The next steps of the ceasefire plan must also be worked out “very carefully,” he added.
Egypt looks forward to “your support with us at the conference for the reconstruction (of Gaza),” Sisi continued.
Meloni met with Sisi in Egypt
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, on the sidelines of the signing ceremony for the Middle East peace plan in Sharm el-Sheikh, held a bilateral meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
According to a statement from the Italian government, “the two leaders discussed the next steps of the peace plan, and the Italian Prime Minister reiterated her country’s commitment to contribute to the stabilization, reconstruction, and development of the Gaza Strip, as well as to give new momentum to a political process aimed at establishing a framework of peace, security, and stability in the Middle East, based on the two-state solution.”
IDF: Hamas handed over two bodies to the Red Cross, two more to be delivered later
The Israeli army announced that the bodies of two deceased hostages were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza early Monday afternoon.
The IDF stated that the transfer of two more coffins “will take place later in the day,” adding that Hamas “is obliged to comply with the agreement and make the necessary efforts to return all the deceased.”
Earlier, Hamas’ armed al-Qassam Brigades had stated that the bodies of four hostages would be handed over today as part of a prisoner exchange with Israel.
This drew criticism from Israel, with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant accusing Hamas of “failing to uphold its commitments.”
Trump: Sisi’s role in Hamas negotiations is very important
Speaking to journalists, Donald Trump praised his Egyptian counterpart, saying that al-Sisi played a “very important role” in the negotiations with Hamas.
“The United States fully supports him,” added the U.S. president.
Trump: There would be no Gaza agreement if the U.S. hadn’t struck Iran
In his speech to the Knesset earlier today, the U.S. president suggested that he might reach some sort of agreement with Iran.
He addressed the same topic during joint statements with Sisi in Sharm el-Sheikh, saying that Iran “wants to reach an agreement.”
“I think Iran will agree. It has been hit, it has been hurt,” Trump said, continuing: “It needs help, it has faced heavy sanctions, as you know… I would very much like to lift the sanctions when it’s ready to negotiate.”
“Honestly, if we hadn’t struck them on the nuclear issue, I don’t think you could have this incredible once-in-a-lifetime agreement happening.”
“Iran issued a statement saying it supports this agreement with all its heart,” Trump added.
Brief meeting of Sisi with the presidents of France, Turkey, and the Emir of Qatar
Egyptian President Sisi discussed with Western and Arab officials the coordination of the ceasefire in Gaza and the reconstruction of the area.
Specifically, on Monday, Sisi held a mini meeting with the presidents of France and Turkey, the Emir of Qatar, and others, with the aim of coordinating the implementation of the ceasefire in Gaza and reconstruction efforts in the region, according to a statement from the Egyptian president’s office.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of an international summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, aimed at finalizing an agreement to end the war in Gaza.
Macron: The two-state solution is the only way forward
French President Emmanuel Macron told journalists upon his arrival in Sharm el-Sheikh that the next step toward lasting peace in the Gaza Strip will be the establishment of a Palestinian state.
He added that France will play a special role in ensuring that the Palestinian Authority is included in the future governance of Gaza and described the presence of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas at the summit as “a very good sign.”
“It is the recognition of the role of the Palestinian Authority as a legitimate body,”
he said, adding that the Palestinians must be “at the center of Gaza’s governance.”
Trump: “The second phase of negotiations has already begun”
Speaking to journalists in Sharm el-Sheikh about when the second phase of the negotiations would start, Donald Trump said,
“As far as we’re concerned, it has already begun.”
“The second phase has started, and as you know, all the phases are somewhat interwoven,”
Trump added, standing beside President el-Sisi.
El-Sisi: Enough with war — welcome peace
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump to his country.
In a Facebook post shortly after Trump’s arrival in Egypt, el-Sisi stated that at the upcoming Peace Summit in Sharm el-Sheikh,
“the will of the peoples is united with the determination of the world’s leaders to end the war in Gaza.”
“Everyone is sending a single message to humanity: Enough with war — welcome peace,”
he said.
“A historic day for the Middle East,” says Chancellor Merz from Egypt
Chancellor Friedrich Merz described today as “an important day in the history books” for the Middle East and for the entire world, expressing hope that a “phase of peace” is now beginning — one in which Germany is ready to contribute. Merz thanked the mediators and reiterated that his country stands firmly by Israel, while calling on President Trump to now use his influence to help bring an end to the war in Ukraine.
“The war in Gaza is over,”
declared the Chancellor from Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip is being formalized today.
“We are here to sign an important document through which we hope a phase of lasting peace, good cooperation, and stability in the region will begin,”
he added, thanking “all those who made this day possible,” referring to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, U.S. President Donald Trump “for his commitment and clear stance in this conflict,” the Emir of Qatar Hamad al-Thani, and the Turkish government.
“Germany stands with Israel — this has always been true and will remain so,” Merz emphasized, expressing relief at the release of the last remaining hostages held by Hamas, including four Germans. The Chancellor also reaffirmed Germany’s willingness to contribute to efforts so that people in Gaza can once again have access to humanitarian aid, medicine, water, and shelter.
Merz went on to express hope that President Trump would also use his influence with the Russian government to bring an end to the war in Ukraine.
“We must not forget that just a few hours away by plane, Russia’s war against Ukraine has been raging for the past three and a half years. What we see here is that when the international community stands united, peace is possible. But for us in Europe, the war in Ukraine remains the greatest threat to our freedom,”
he said, adding that he would have the opportunity to discuss the issue with Donald Trump later today.
Leaders meet in Sharm el-Sheikh ahead of Trump’s arrival – See photos
Four bodies to be returned – The identities of the victims
Today, four bodies of hostages are expected to be returned, with the Israeli organization for the release of hostages claiming that the ceasefire agreement is being violated.
In a statement issued by the armed wing of Hamas, it was announced that the four bodies of hostages to be handed over to Israel have been identified as Guy Ilouz, Yossi Sharabi, Bipin Joshi, and Daniel Perez.
These are the leaders and officials who will take part in the Egypt summit – See the list
The Egyptian authorities have announced the leaders who will participate in the international summit hosted in the city of Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday afternoon.
According to the official Egyptian news agency, the “Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit” will include the participation of heads of state and monarchs:
- President of Egypt Abdel Fattah al-Sisi
- President of the United States Donald Trump
- King of Jordan Abdullah II
- Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad
- King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa
- President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas
- President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
- President of Indonesia Joko Widodo
- President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev
- President of France Emmanuel Macron
- President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides
The agency also reports that prime ministers from several countries will attend, including:
- Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz
- Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia al-Sudani
- Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer
- Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni
- Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez
- Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis
- Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan
- Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán
- Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif
- Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney
- Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre
- Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates Mohammed bin Rashid
- Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah al-Sabah
Developments in the Middle East: Hostages Released and Diplomatic Efforts Underway
Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
In a major development in the Middle East, the last 20 living hostages held by Hamas have returned to Israel after more than two years in captivity. This comes as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The bodies of up to 28 deceased hostages are still to be returned, a process expected to proceed gradually with no clear timeline.
Prisoner Releases and Exchanges
Israel has begun releasing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners under the terms of the agreement. Of these, 88 were transferred to the West Bank and over 150 were deported to other countries, including 154 to Egypt. Many of the released prisoners have significant health issues after long-term detention, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
U.S. Involvement and the Role of Donald Trump
President Donald Trump, who visited Israel and spoke at the Knesset, described the events as “the historic dawn of a new Middle East.” He praised the hostages’ return but emphasized that Hamas’s disarmament remains under negotiation. Trump subsequently traveled to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, to co-chair a peace summit on Gaza with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Trump’s delegation included senior U.S. diplomats Jared Kushner and Steve Whitkov, who met directly with Hamas officials to finalize the hostage release and ceasefire deal. The summit in Sharm El-Sheikh has drawn leaders from around the world, emphasizing international commitment to peace and reconstruction efforts.
European and U.K. Support
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the U.K.’s experience with Northern Ireland and the IRA as a model for supervising the ceasefire and the disarmament of Hamas. Starmer also pledged £20 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza, supporting water, sanitation, and healthcare infrastructure, while hosting an international conference on the region’s reconstruction.
Germany’s leaders, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, welcomed the release of hostages, noting that some were of German descent. They emphasized that the families of deceased hostages deserve the dignity of a proper farewell.
The European Union also hailed the release as a critical step toward peace, with President Ursula von der Leyen and High Representative Kaya Kallas stressing the EU’s readiness to support governance, reconstruction, and border monitoring.
Security Concerns and Ongoing Tensions
Despite the progress, tensions persist. Hamas continues to struggle with internal conflicts and confrontations with local factions in Gaza, resulting in casualties. Israel has accused Hamas of failing to comply fully with its commitments, particularly regarding the return of deceased hostages.
In Europe, authorities in Germany have issued warnings about potential threats from Hamas networks, highlighting the importance of vigilance even amid diplomatic progress.
Humanitarian Toll
The humanitarian cost of the conflict has been severe. Since October 7, 2023, at least 67,869 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, with 170,105 injured. Many victims were civilians, including women and children.
Next Steps
The Sharm El-Sheikh summit aims to consolidate the ceasefire, advance peace negotiations, and coordinate international aid for Gaza’s reconstruction. While the return of living hostages marks a historic milestone, the broader effort to achieve lasting peace in the region requires continued diplomacy, humanitarian support, and oversight to ensure all parties honor their commitments.
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