U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Egypt for a summit focused on the future of Gaza after a recent ceasefire deal with Hamas. His visit follows a celebration in Israel, where he acknowledged Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s significant role in the negotiations. Trump emphasized Sisi’s leadership, which he credited for maintaining stability in Egypt.
Key Developments at the Gaza Summit
The international summit, held in Sharm el-Sheikh on October 13, aimed to finalize agreements concerning the Gaza ceasefire and reconstruction efforts. Sisi met with leaders from France, Turkey, and Qatar to facilitate coordination on these critical issues.
- All 20 remaining living Israeli hostages, held for over two years, have been released by Hamas.
- Hostages were handed over to the Red Cross and reunited with their families, aided by the Israeli army.
- Hamas also returned the remains of two deceased hostages, enhancing the humanitarian focus of the summit.
Demonstrating strong emotions, large crowds gathered in Ramallah, West Bank, to welcome the released Palestinian prisoners. Israeli authorities confirmed that over 1,900 Palestinian inmates have been freed as part of the ceasefire deal, which involved mediation by the U.S., Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
Hamas’s Reinforcement of Authority in Gaza
In a significant development in Gaza, Hamas has deployed armed fighters and police in various regions, seeking to reinforce its control after the ceasefire. Footage from southern Gaza showed their fighters appearing at a hospital during the hostages’ release, highlighting both their authority and the ongoing violence in the area.
Reports indicate that Hamas has engaged in clashes, targeting those perceived as collaborators with Israel. This poses a challenge for the ceasefire’s stability and raises concerns over disarmament provisions stipulated in the peace arrangement.
Challenges Ahead
The geopolitical landscape remains complex. Trump’s plans to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the summit were thwarted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s objections. The potential presence of Netanyahu at the summit was contentious, especially considering ongoing international criminal court warrants against him.
Despite the challenges, Trump expressed optimism about stabilizing the region. He aims to advance a broader peace initiative, including potential negotiations with Iran following military actions against its nuclear sites. The situation in Lebanon is also under his administration’s attention, as Trump seeks to support its new president in disarming Hezbollah.
Human Cost of the Conflict
As the diplomatic discussions unfold, the human cost of the conflict remains staggering. As of October 7, 2023, the Gaza health ministry reported over 67,869 Palestinian fatalities and significant injuries exceeding 170,105. The majority of casualties are civilians, including many women and children.
Overall, the developments from the summit in Egypt mark a pivotal moment for the Middle East, as global leaders continue to push for lasting peace amid ongoing tensions.
