International Leaders to Meet for Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt — U.S. President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will co-chair a summit on Monday to discuss efforts to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The meeting will include leaders from over 20 countries, according to the Egyptian presidency’s statement released on Saturday.

The summit aims to halt the fighting in the Gaza Strip, promote peace and stability in the Middle East, and initiate a new era of regional security. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, and Spain’s Pedro Sánchez are among those confirmed to attend.

However, it remains unclear if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or representatives from Hamas will participate. This announcement follows recent developments where thousands of Palestinians have returned to their homes in northern Gaza as a ceasefire holds.

The ceasefire, brokered by the U.S., has reportedly allowed for a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops and offers a glimmer of hope after claims that over 67,000 people have died as a result of the ongoing war. Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud reported that while the cessation of hostilities has offered some relief, many challenges remain.

“People walk this exhausting, tiring journey back here because they belong here,” Mahmoud said. “The struggle to survive continues.” He highlighted the dire situation faced by those returning to their homes, where conditions remain precarious.

The Gaza government reported that since the ceasefire began, over 5,000 operations have been conducted to assist residents, including rescue missions and efforts to restore essential services. However, services are constrained by ongoing Israeli blockades that limit fuel and necessary supplies.

AID distributions are expected to ramp up once Israel reopens crossing points into Gaza. The World Food Programme is prepared to restore food distribution efforts provided conditions are met. WFP country director Antoine Renard expressed the need for increased access to aid.

On the other side of the conflict, U.S. President Trump announced that on Monday, 20 living captives and the bodies of 28 others will be exchanged as part of the ceasefire deal. Israel is also set to release around 250 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

These developments follow ongoing protests in Tel Aviv, where families of captives gathered to demand the safe return of their loved ones. Many have expressed dissatisfaction with the Israeli government, crediting U.S. involvement for the current breakthrough.

“The family members of captives have no faith in their government,” reported Al Jazeera’s Hamdah Salhut. “They believe this progress is a result of American efforts.”