Palestinian President Abbas to Join Egypt Summit Aimed at Ending Gaza Conflict
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is set to attend an international summit in Egypt on Monday. The summit aims to finalize an agreement to end the ongoing war in Gaza. This event will feature key world leaders, including former President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who is hosting the gathering in Sharm el-Sheikh.
Key Attendees and Objectives of the Summit
Over 20 nations are expected to participate in this summit. Notable attendees include:
- UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer
- French President Emmanuel Macron
- Jordan’s King Abdullah II
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez
- Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan
- UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres
The objective of the summit is to enhance efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the Middle East. A document aimed at formally ending the war in Gaza is anticipated to be signed during this meeting.
Current Situation and Peace Efforts
Following the recent escalation in Gaza, a ceasefire was implemented on Friday. This ceasefire came after a phase of Trump’s 20-point peace plan was agreed upon by Israel and Hamas. A crucial aspect of the plan involves negotiations over the governance of Gaza, Israeli troop withdrawal, and the disarmament of Hamas.
While both Israel and Hamas will not have representatives at the summit, Abbas’s Palestinian Authority (PA) has been encouraged to play a role, contingent upon necessary reforms. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed opposition to any PA involvement.
Palestinian Authority’s Stance
President Abbas has recently reiterated his desire to work with global leaders to implement a peace plan that favors the Palestinian Authority over Hamas. His past remarks emphasize the need for Hamas to disarm and cease any governing role in Gaza.
Abbas faced obstacles in attending the UN General Assembly last month, as the U.S. state department revoked visas for him and 80 other Palestinian officials, forcing him to speak via video link.
The Humanitarian Impact of the Conflict
The war on Gaza escalated following Hamas attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. This violence resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities and around 251 hostages taken. The ongoing conflict has led to a staggering loss of life, with over 67,000 Palestinians reported killed, including more than 18,000 children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
As the international community converges in Egypt, the focus remains on ending the cycle of violence and establishing a pathway toward lasting peace in the region.
