US President Donald Trump hailed a historic peace agreement in Egypt aimed at ending the Gaza conflict and rebuilding the territory, following the release of hostages and Palestinian detainees. However, significant challenges such as Hamas disarmament, Israeli security demands, governance, and future statehood remain unresolved, requiring further diplomatic efforts. The peace deal signed at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit marked a hopeful new chapter for Gaza, but underlying issues continue to complicate lasting peace.
Historic Gaza Peace Agreement Signed
At a high-profile summit in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on October 13, 2025, President Donald Trump along with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani signed a landmark peace agreement intended to bring an end to the Gaza conflict. Speaking from the podium in Sharm el-Sheikh, Trump said,
“With the historic agreement we've just signed, those prayers of millions have finally been answered,”
expressing optimism that peace
in the Middle East was finally achievable after years of strife.
Trump further described the occasion as “a historic day” and
praised the role of regional leaders in solidifying the truce between Israel
and Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Trump as “Israel's
greatest friend,” reinforcing the US administration’s central role in brokering
the ceasefire. The agreement includes provisions for the release of 250
Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the last living Israeli hostage held by
Hamas and the return of remains of 28 deceased Israeli hostages, a gesture both
sides flagged as a significant humanitarian step.
Ceasefire Holds with Complicated On-the-Ground Reality
While the ceasefire currently holds, the situation on the
ground remains fragile. Israeli forces have withdrawn from significant parts of
Gaza City, Khan Younis, and southern areas but retain a presence in Rafah,
northern towns, and along the border with Israel. This partial withdrawal
reflects ongoing Israeli security concerns and complicates the full
implementation of the ceasefire.
The Israel Defence Forces reported incidents of Israeli
troops opening fire on Palestinians alleged to have violated the ceasefire
terms, resulting in casualties. Five Palestinians were killed in such incidents
shortly after the ceasefire began, indicating the tenuous nature of peace in
the region.
Complex Issues Persist on Disarmament and Governance
Among the most difficult issues still to be resolved is
Israel’s demand for Hamas to fully disarm, a condition Hamas has firmly
rejected, insisting that Israeli troops must first withdraw from Gaza before
any demilitarisation can take place. These opposing positions underscore the
challenges ahead in achieving lasting stability.
The future governance structure of Gaza remains under
debate. A US-backed proposal envisions the establishment of an international
oversight board involving Palestinian technocrats to manage day-to-day affairs
while an Arab-led international security force works alongside Palestinian
police. This plan includes a potential role for Mahmoud Abbas’s Palestinian
Authority, provided it undergoes significant reforms, a proposition historically
opposed by Netanyahu.
Trump suggested that former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair
could serve on the international board overseeing Gaza’s governance,
illustrating the international dimension envisioned for post-conflict reconstruction.
Vision for Gaza’s Reconstruction and Future Statehood
Trump declared, “Now the rebuilding begins,” signalling a
major undertaking to restore Gaza’s devastated infrastructure. The peace
agreement includes a 20-point plan focusing on Gaza’s administrative and
economic rejuvenation, designed to pave the way for prosperity and coexistence
in the region.
Significantly, the framework mentions the possibility of a
future Palestinian state, an idea rejected outright by Prime Minister Netanyahu
but featured as a long-term aspiration of the peace process.
International Support and US Troop Presence
Approximately 200 US troops are currently deployed in Israel
to monitor the ceasefire and support implementation efforts. The international
community’s role is emphasised in both security and reconstruction measures,
highlighting global interest in durable peace and stability.
Reception and Political Responses
President Trump received a warm welcome in Jerusalem,
including 22 standing ovations during his address to Israel’s Knesset, although
some Knesset members heckled him, demonstrating the mixed political sentiments
within Israel. Trump’s supporters view the agreement as a major diplomatic
accomplishment, while some regional actors remain cautious about the path
forward.
Immediate Humanitarian Impact
The release of hostages and prisoners marked a key
humanitarian milestone in the ceasefire deal. Israeli officials prepared to
welcome home the last living hostages freed from Gaza, while families on both
sides reunited, a poignant reminder of the human cost of the prolonged
conflict.
Trump’s 20-Point Peace Plan
The peace declaration builds on the 20-point Gaza peace plan
unveiled by Trump in September 2025, which Israel and Hamas have "signed
off on the first phase," according to White House statements. This
detailed plan outlines steps from immediate cessation of hostilities to a
roadmap for long-term rebuilding.
The peace agreement signed by President Donald Trump and regional leaders offers new hope for Gaza’s future through ceasefire implementation, prisoner exchanges, and a reconstruction plan. Yet, the path to lasting peace remains complex, with unresolved issues around Hamas disarmament, governance structures, and political acceptance. Continued diplomatic efforts and international cooperation will be critical to translating the historic agreement into durable stability for Gaza and the wider region.