EGYPT: A historic Gaza ceasefire declaration was signed on Monday by mediators Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey alongside U.S. President Donald Trump, marking a major diplomatic milestone aimed at ending years of war and suffering in the Middle East.
The agreement was finalized during the Gaza Peace Summit hosted by Egypt in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh, bringing together over 20 world leaders to endorse the ceasefire plan and future peace framework.
Calling it a “tremendous day for the Middle East and the world,” Trump said the declaration would enforce clear rules and long-term guarantees to maintain peace in Gaza. The signing came just hours after Hamas freed 20 remaining Israeli hostages and Israel released 1,968 Palestinian prisoners, symbolizing a dramatic step toward ending the devastating conflict.
Earlier in the day, Trump made a surprise visit to Jerusalem, addressing Israel’s parliament and praising Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, before flying to Egypt to join regional leaders Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in signing the document as official guarantors.
“It’s a tremendous day for the Middle East and for all humanity,” Trump said, expressing confidence that the ceasefire “will hold.”
Under the new deal, Hamas will also return the bodies of 27 hostages who died in captivity and the remains of a soldier killed in the 2014 Gaza conflict.
Emotional reunions and scenes of relief
Across the region, emotional scenes unfolded as hostages and prisoners were reunited with families. In Tel Aviv, crowds gathered in Hostages Square erupted in tears and joy as the first freed hostages arrived. In Ramallah and Khan Yunis, Palestinians celebrated the return of detainees, many greeting loved ones with hugs, chants of “Allahu Akbar,” and songs of victory.
“I’m torn between happiness and grief for those who won’t return,” said Noga, a resident of Tel Aviv.
“It’s an indescribable feeling a new birth,” said Mahdi Ramadan, one of the freed prisoners in Ramallah.
Ceasefire brings hope but challenges remain
The truce comes nearly two years after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, which killed 1,219 people and triggered Israel’s deadly retaliation in Gaza. According to UN-backed data, over 67,000 people have since been killed in Gaza, more than half of them women and children.
While the ceasefire brings long-awaited relief, major obstacles remain. Hamas has refused to disarm, and Israel has not committed to a full military withdrawal from Gaza. Trump, however, said the agreement’s “Phase 2” political reconstruction and security arrangements has already begun.
“President Sisi was very instrumental in making this possible,” Trump added, crediting Egypt’s mediation efforts.
Sisi responded, calling Trump “the only one capable of bringing peace to our region.”
Trump also briefly met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, while Israel and Hamas representatives did not attend the summit directly.
Looking forward
Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, unveiled in late September, laid the groundwork for the ceasefire and continues to guide discussions on Gaza’s reconstruction, governance, and regional stability.
As celebrations and cautious optimism spread across Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank, many hope the deal marks the beginning of a new era of coexistence and recovery though scars of war remain deep.
“The greatest joy is seeing my whole family together again,” said Yusef Afana, a 25 year old released prisoner from northern Gaza. “After years of pain, maybe now peace will stay.”
