- As world leaders arrive in Sharm el-Sheikh, analysts describe the summit as a crucial test of diplomacy and reconstruction. Middle East expert Kristin Helberg told DW.COM that “soft power diplomacy” is now in high demand to sustain peace and rebuild trust across the region.
- For millions of Palestinians returning to the rubble of Gaza and Israelis yearning for stability after years of conflict, the summit may represent the first genuine step toward a lasting peace.
World leaders from more than 20 countries are converging in Egypt on Monday for a historic peace summit aimed at formally ending the devastating two-year war in Gaza.
The high-stakes gathering, co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and U.S. President Donald Trump, seeks to finalize a long-awaited agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Ahead of the summit, President Trump declared unequivocally, “The war is over,” as he boarded Air Force One bound for the Middle East.
Speaking to reporters, Trump added, “I think people are tired,” expressing confidence that the ceasefire, brokered under his administration, would hold.
Israel confirmed it expects the release of all 20 surviving hostages on Monday in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The bodies of 28 deceased hostages are also set to be returned, with international teams to assist in locating others within 72 hours.
Germany pledges major reconstruction aid
Germany announced plans to contribute at least €100 million ($116 million) toward Gaza’s reconstruction, as international focus turns from conflict to rebuilding. Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan said the final figure would be “a three-digit number of millions,” stressing that “the total cost will be enormous” and that global cooperation will be essential.
Germany, which had frozen some aid following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, is now reactivating funds and preparing to co-host a Gaza reconstruction conference alongside Egypt in the coming weeks.
Divided attendance: Indonesia in, Iran out
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto confirmed his attendance at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit, emphasizing a balanced approach: “We must have an independent Palestine, but we must also recognize and guarantee the safety and security of Israel.”
However, Iran will not be represented. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that neither he nor President Masoud Pezeshkian would attend, citing Tehran’s unwillingness to “engage with counterparts who have attacked the Iranian people.”
Despite its absence, Iran voiced support for any initiative “to end Israel’s genocide in Gaza” and reaffirmed its backing for Palestinian self-determination.
Aid and recovery efforts underway
Humanitarian organizations are rushing to scale up aid deliveries. Rachael Cummings, Humanitarian Director for Save the Children in Gaza, said supplies must enter the enclave “at scale and consistently” to meet the immense need for food, water, and medical care.
Germany reassesses arms policy toward Israel
Germany’s Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil announced that Berlin would review its partial embargo on weapons exports to Israel. The decision follows domestic debate over the nation’s historic commitment to Israel’s security and growing scrutiny of Israel’s actions during the war.
Diplomatic tensions surface
Amid global coordination, a brief war of words erupted after U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee called UK Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson “delusional” for claiming that the UK had played a “key role” in securing the Gaza truce.
Huckabee insisted the credit belonged to President Trump, saying, “She can thank Donald Trump any time just to set the record straight.”
A fragile but hopeful path forward
As world leaders arrive in Sharm el-Sheikh, analysts describe the summit as a crucial test of diplomacy and reconstruction. Middle East expert Kristin Helberg told dw.com that “soft power diplomacy” is now in high demand to sustain peace and rebuild trust across the region.
For millions of Palestinians returning to the rubble of Gaza and Israelis yearning for stability after years of conflict, the summit may represent the first genuine step toward a lasting peace.
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