Egyptian President Calls Trump’s Middle East Plan ‘Last Chance’ for Peace at Sharm el-Sheikh Summit

AFP

U.S. President Donald Trump and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi told a summit of world leaders on Monday, 13 October 2025, that U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East proposal represents the “last chance” to achieve peace in the region. He reiterated his support for a two-state solution, emphasising that Palestinians have the right to an independent state.

The summit, held in Sharm el-Sheikh, aimed to consolidate the ceasefire reached in Gaza, which ended the recent Israel-Hamas war, and to develop a long-term framework for reconstruction of the Palestinian territory. President Trump’s plan envisages a Palestinian state following a transitional period in Gaza, overseen by the internationally recognised Palestinian Authority. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes immediate Palestinian independence.

El-Sissi also awarded Trump the Order of the Nile, Egypt’s highest civilian honour, during the summit.

Over 20 world leaders attended, including French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, King Abdullah of Jordan, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Neither Israel nor Hamas attended, with Netanyahu absent due to a Jewish holiday. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, represented the Palestinian side.

The gathering followed the release of 20 remaining Israeli hostages by Hamas and the start of Israel’s release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, key elements of the ceasefire agreement. The first phase also saw Israeli forces pull back from certain areas in Gaza, allowing displaced residents to return home and enabling humanitarian aid to enter the territory.

Discussions focused on the next phase, which involves disarming Hamas, establishing a post-war administration in Gaza, creating a new Palestinian security force, and determining the extent of Israel’s withdrawal. Mohamed Abdelaty, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, stressed the importance of continued American engagement, including the possible deployment of an international peacekeeping force under UN Security Council endorsement.

Another major issue is raising funds for rebuilding Gaza. The World Bank, and Egypt’s postwar plan, estimate reconstruction and recovery needs in Gaza at $53 billion. Egypt plans to host an early recovery and reconstruction conference for Gaza in November. International partners, including Britain, Germany, and Jordan, pledged support for rebuilding efforts and the training of a new Palestinian security force.

Iran, a key backer of Hamas, did not attend the summit, highlighting its waning influence in the region following recent conflicts.

Sharm el-Sheikh, with its history as a venue for peace negotiations and international summits, hosted its first summit under el-Sissi, signalling Egypt’s continued role as a mediator in regional affairs.

Source: AP



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