World Leaders Unite in Sharm el-Sheikh to Support Gaza Ceasefire

World leaders gathered in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on July 7, 2025, to support a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the two-year conflict in Gaza. The summit, co-chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, included leaders from Turkey, Jordan, Britain, Germany, France, Italy, the United Nations, and the European Union. Neither Israel nor Hamas were present, as both sides have maintained no direct communication.

The gathering coincided with significant developments in the ceasefire process, including Hamas’s release of 20 Israeli hostages and Israel’s decision to free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. These actions marked the first phase of the ceasefire, which commenced on July 5, 2025. Despite this progress, critical questions remain about the future of Gaza and potential steps backward into conflict.

The summit was framed by el-Sissi’s office as a means to “end the war” and promote a “new page of peace and regional stability.” The Egyptian leader has previously proposed a postwar plan for Gaza, aimed at ensuring its 2.3 million residents remain in the territory. This proposal emerged as a counter to Trump’s earlier vision, which involved significant demographic changes in Gaza.

While the summit itself is expected to last around two hours, it will likely focus on broad themes rather than detailed discussions. Both leaders are anticipated to issue a joint statement at its conclusion, emphasizing their commitment to a peaceful resolution.

Challenges Ahead Following Ceasefire

As the ceasefire enters its initial phase, several pressing issues must be addressed, including the disarmament of Hamas, the formation of a new government for Gaza, and the extent of Israel’s military withdrawal. The recovery and reconstruction of the area are also high on the agenda, with the World Bank estimating that rebuilding efforts will require approximately $53 billion. Egypt has expressed intentions to host a future conference dedicated to reconstruction efforts.

The absence of Israel and Hamas at the summit highlights the complexities of the situation. Both parties have historically struggled to trust one another, which has resulted in numerous failed negotiations. Notably, Iranian officials have portrayed the ceasefire as a win for Hamas, yet their absence underscores Iran’s diminishing influence in the region amidst ongoing pressures.

Notable Attendees and Historical Context

The summit attracted key international figures, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has played a crucial role in facilitating the ceasefire, and Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany, a staunch supporter of Israel. Merz has expressed concerns regarding Israel’s military strategies and has committed Germany to co-host a reconstruction conference with Egypt.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a pledge of £20 million (approximately $27 million) to improve water and sanitation facilities in Gaza and will host a three-day conference focused on reconstruction and recovery strategies.

The location of the summit, Sharm el-Sheikh, is historically significant for peace negotiations in the region. Having hosted numerous diplomatic talks over the decades, the resort town was once occupied by Israel and has been a site of various peace initiatives, particularly under former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Monday’s meeting marks the first significant peace summit under the leadership of el-Sissi.

As global leaders convene to address the situation in Gaza, the outcome of this summit could pave the way for future peace efforts or signal ongoing challenges in the region.