Starmer Set to Join Crucial Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt Affirms No 10
An international peace summit is scheduled for Monday in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. The meeting is crucial for signing a peace plan for Gaza. The UK Prime Minister, alongside US President Donald Trump and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, will attend the event. Leaders from more than 20 countries are expected to participate.
Details of the Ceasefire Agreement
A ceasefire took effect on Friday morning, brokered by President Trump. It marks the first phase, focusing on a hostages return deal. Under the agreement:
- Hamas must release all Israeli hostages by 12:00 PM (09:00 GMT) on Monday.
- Israel will release approximately 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
Aid distribution to Gaza will also see an increase. Future negotiations will address issues such as Gaza’s governance and Israeli troop withdrawals.
Significance of the Summit
The summit also features a signing ceremony for the peace plan. Downing Street describes it as a “historic turning point” after two years of conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron will join to express support. The signing is intended to enhance peace and stability in the Middle East.
Comments from Key Figures
Sir Keir Starmer will acknowledge contributions from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. He emphasizes the importance of ongoing coordination for further truce phases. The UK continues to offer strong support and engagement with global partners. Efforts focus on securing the ceasefire and delivering humanitarian aid.
President Trump, speaking from the White House, highlights the involvement of global leaders. The UK reiterates that it has no plans to deploy troops to monitor the ceasefire. Instead, the US will move 200 troops to a civil-military center in Israel. Forces from several Arab and Muslim countries will join them, including from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.
Background and Context
Israel’s war in Gaza escalated following Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. The conflict resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in southern Israel and more than 67,000 Palestinian fatalities, according to Hamas health authorities. A previous ceasefire started in January but collapsed after two months.
