“The war is over, okay? Do you understand?” With these words, US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday the end of the conflict in Gaza, within the framework of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that includes the release of hostages, the partial withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the opening of humanitarian corridors. The announcement, made before his departure for Tel Aviv and Egypt, marks a turning point after two years of violence in the region and anticipates an international summit on Egyptian soil.
Trump, who addressed the press in Washington before boarding Air Force One, emphasized the importance of the hostages' release, calling it"a very special moment." The US president is scheduled to meet with the families of the captives on Monday and deliver a speech before the Israeli parliament (Knesset), a day that, in his own words, generated a shared emotion among those involved."Everyone is very excited about this moment," he said, highlighting the magnitude of the agreement reached.
The agreement, announced last Wednesday after weeks of negotiations led by the US administration, includes three main pillars: the release of hostages held by Hamas, the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the opening of humanitarian channels for the supply of food and medicine. These measures have led to the establishment of a temporary ceasefire, which began three days before the international summit scheduled for Egypt.
“Muslim and Arab countries are also applauding (the hostage release). They're all applauding at the same time. That's never happened before. Normally, if one applauds, the other doesn't,” Trump said, alluding to the convergence of support the pact has garnered.
The participation of leaders from more than 20 countries and multilateral organizations at the Egyptian summit reflects the significance of the moment and the global interest in the region's stability.
The Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh will host the signing ceremony for the US-backed peace plan for the Gaza Strip. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will co-chair the meeting with Trump on Monday.
Confirmed attendees include the heads of state of Qatar – a key player in mediating the conflict –, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain and the president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas. The presidents of Turkey, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, France and Cyprus, the chancellor of Germany, and the prime ministers of Italy, the United Kingdom, Greece, Armenia, Hungary, Pakistan, Canada, Norway and Iraq will also participate. Spain will be represented by the president of the government, Pedro Sánchez.
Other countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, Oman, India, and Japan, will send senior diplomatic representatives. Notable absences include Saudi Arabia, which has not yet announced its participation in the summit. Also expected to attend are United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres; Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Abulgueit; and European Council President António Costa.
The preliminary summit program includes a bilateral meeting between Al-Sisi and Trump, as well as a group meeting with the attending leaders and presidents. Both leaders are expected to deliver speeches, although the final agenda is still being confirmed.
The ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza's main cities began three days before the summit. The release of the first Israeli hostages held by Hamas is expected on Monday, a day that could mark the beginning of a new era for the region.
In this context, Trump expressed his satisfaction with the international response and the opportunity to participate in a moment that, in his words, has generated awe and enthusiasm among world leaders.
