Egypt’s President Calls Trump’s Mideast Proposal the ‘Final Opportunity’ for Lasting Peace

At a recent summit in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi emphasized the importance of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East proposal, calling it a “last chance” for peace. He reiterated the need for a two-state solution, asserting Palestinians’ right to an independent state. The summit aimed to support the Gaza ceasefire, end the Israel-Hamas conflict, and establish a roadmap for rebuilding the war-torn area.

The gathering sought to unify global support behind Trump’s plan. El-Sissi declared that only Trump can foster peace in the region, underscoring the weight of the U.S. in these discussions. Trump’s proposal includes the possibility of a Palestinian state, following a lengthy transition under the Palestinian Authority. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes Palestinian independence, and Trump didn’t mention a two-state solution during his remarks.

Trump described this moment as a historical opportunity to move beyond longstanding conflicts. He called for leaders to abandon generational rivalries, urging them to envision a future of harmony.

As the summit unfolded, the U.S., Arab nations, and Turkey pressured both Israel and Hamas to agree on a ceasefire. This initial phase started on Friday, initiated by negotiations in Qatar.

On Monday, Trump, el-Sissi, and leaders from Qatar and Turkey signed a comprehensive agreement, although details were kept from the public. This summit followed significant developments: Hamas released remaining Israeli hostages while Israel freed many Palestinians from detention. Yet, challenges loom regarding the next steps, sparking concerns about a potential return to violence.

Over 20 world leaders participated, including notable figures like King Abdullah of Jordan and the British Prime Minister. Turkey attempted to block Netanyahu’s attendance, which he ultimately skipped, citing a Jewish holiday. Earlier, Iraq’s Prime Minister warned he would withdraw from the summit if Netanyahu participated, highlighting the high tensions and diplomatic maneuvering surrounding the event.

El-Sissi’s office stated the summit aimed to conclude the war and promote stable peace in line with Trump’s vision. However, the discussions were relatively brief, focusing more on ceremonial aspects than addressing urgent issues deeply, lasting merely about three hours.

One pressing challenge is disarming Hamas and establishing a governing body for post-war Gaza. This plan involves creating a new Palestinian security force with the support of regional partners. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized the need for ongoing U.S. engagement and potential military involvement in peacekeeping roles.

The reconstruction of Gaza is a significant concern, with estimates from the World Bank citing a need of $53 billion for recovery efforts. Egypt plans to host a conference soon to tackle these rebuilding needs.

Other nations also have vital roles in this process. Jordan and Egypt are set to train the new Palestinian security force, while the UK pledged $27 million for humanitarian support in Gaza. Germany’s Chancellor expressed concerns about Israel’s military actions, reflecting a diverse range of opinions on the conflict.

Interestingly, Iran, a major supporter of Hamas, did not attend the summit, highlighting its perceived declining influence in the region.

This summit encapsulates a critical moment in the ongoing quest for peace in the Middle East. The cooperative efforts and differing perspectives could shape the future trajectory of the region.

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Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, Badr Abdelatty, Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, Middle East, Friedrich Merz, Keir Starmer, Mahmoud Abbas, Gaza Strip, 2024-2025 Mideast Wars, Israel-Hamas war, Israel, Israel government, War and unrest, International agreements, Hamas, Turkey government, General news, MIDEAST WARS, World news, Politics, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Iran government, Religion, Egypt government, Palestinian territories government, Washington news, United States government