In what many global observers describe as a turning point for the Middle East, US President Donald Trump joined leaders from Egypt, Turkey, Qatar and other countries in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh for the signing of a landmark peace agreement.
At the same time, the peace summit in Egypt not only marked a symbolic end to decades of regional hostility but also coincided with the announcement of the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, which was widely hailed as the most significant breakthrough in years.
“This is probably the greatest gathering of nations in terms of wealth and power ever assembled,” Trump said before the signing ceremony. “It took 3,000 years to reach this point — can you believe that? And it will endure. This is an incredible day for the world.”
Furthermore, the US president asserted that the agreement could prevent “a potential World War III” centered in the Middle East, emphasizing that “the second phase of the plan has already begun.”
Regional leaders express optimism
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi praised Trump’s efforts, calling him “the only one capable” of bringing an end to the Israel–Hamas conflict.
Several regional leaders attended the Sharm el-Sheikh summit, including Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who exchanged a warm handshake and brief conversation with Trump on the sidelines of the event.
🟡 President Donald Trump welcoming Leaders ahead of Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh #BBCNews
Kyriakos Mitsotakis 🇬🇷 pic.twitter.com/DlfjMn9zjZ
— George Thalassinos (@Ariestaurus_d) October 13, 2025
Diplomatic sources described the atmosphere as “cautiously hopeful,” emphasizing that the agreement aims to build a lasting framework for regional stability, energy cooperation, and post-war reconstruction.
Freed hostages return to Israel
In a related development, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that 20 Israeli hostages released by Hamas under the ceasefire deal have been transported to Israeli hospitals. Among them are Matan Zangauker, Maxim Herkin, Segev Kalfon, Avinatan Or, Eviatar David, Eitan Horn, David Cunio, Ariel Cunio, Elkana Bohbot, and Rom Braslavsky.
The IDF said the released hostages have undergone initial medical examinations and will soon reunite with their families. Meanwhile, Hamas handed over four coffins containing the remains of deceased hostages — identified as Daniel Peretz, Yossi Sharabi, Guy Ilouz, and Bipin Joshi — to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Israeli authorities are conducting DNA analyses to confirm their identities.
The ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas
The Israel–Hamas peace agreement, brokered through the combined mediation of the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, establishes a full ceasefire, the release of hostages and prisoners, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Humanitarian corridors have reopened, enabling critical aid deliveries to civilians for the first time in months. Mediators describe the accord as the “first phase” toward a lasting political solution and the reconstruction of Gaza, aimed at preventing future cycles of violence.
Yet, the deal remains fragile. Analysts warn that deep mistrust, questions over Gaza’s governance, and the disarmament of armed factions could test the ceasefire’s durability.
Still, for millions across the region — and families reuniting after unimaginable loss — the moment offers a rare glimpse of hope that the Gaza war’s end might mark the beginning of a broader, sustainable Middle East peace.
Trump: “The war is over”
President Trump declared that “the war is over” aboard Air Force One as he headed to Israel on Sunday night, predicting that the cease-fire deal he hammered through could end the centuries-long Middle East conflict.
“The war is over,” he told reporters on Air Force One Sunday en route to Israel. “I think people are going to behave. Everybody knows their place. It’s going to be great for everybody,” he said.
“I think people are tired of it,” he added. “It’s been centuries, OK, not just recent. It’s been centuries. I think people are tired of it. Yeah, the ceasefire is going to hold.”
