Cairo, Egypt – In a scene observers described as historic, the Egyptian city of Sharm el-Sheikh hosted an unprecedented peace summit. The summit announced the end of the war in Gaza through the “Sharm el-Sheikh Agreement.” This represented a beacon of hope for the people of the region after months of bloody conflict that had exhausted everyone.
Egypt is redefining its historical role.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, in his address to world leaders, emphasized that Egypt launched the peace process with the late President Anwar Sadat’s visit to Jerusalem in 1977. He stated that Egypt continues to bear the mission of establishing peace as a strategic choice. Peace is an indispensable option. He pointed out that “a just peace can only be based on justice and equal rights.” This was a clear reference to the Palestinian people’s right to establish their independent state.
Praise for Trump…and the “Nile Necklace”
During his speech, the Egyptian president specifically thanked US President Donald Trump, whom he described as a “peace-loving leader,” for his role in reaching the agreement. He emphasized that “true leadership is not in waging wars, but in the ability to end them.” In a remarkable symbolic gesture, the Egyptian president announced that he would award Trump the Order of the Nile. This is Egypt’s highest honor, in recognition of his efforts.
Gaza reconstruction… and an international conference soon
The Egyptian president also stressed that Egypt, in cooperation with the United States, Qatar, and Turkey, will work in the coming days. They plan to lay the practical foundations for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. He also announced Cairo’s intention to host an early recovery and development conference. This aims to rebuild what was destroyed by the war and give Palestinians hope for a better tomorrow. He said, “Peace is not complete until a hand is extended to rebuild after the destruction.”
A call to the peoples of the region
The most humane message in the speech was directed to the people of Israel: “Let us make this moment a new beginning, for a life of justice and peaceful coexistence… Extend your hands to cooperate in achieving a just and lasting peace for all the peoples of the region.”
New Middle East
The vision presented at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit went beyond stopping the war. It presented the features of a “new Middle East.” This vision would be free of terrorism, extremism, and weapons of mass destruction. People would enjoy peace and a dignified life, within secure borders and with their rights protected.
Thus, the Sharm el-Sheikh summit has opened a new window of hope in a region long exhausted by conflict. It has presented everyone with what may be the last opportunity to forge a true and lasting peace.
