Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, Oct 13 (AP) - The Presidents of the United States and Egypt are set to lead a "Summit for Peace" on Monday, convening global leaders with the aim of ending the prolonged Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, following a recent ceasefire agreement.
Notably, representatives from Israel and Hamas, who lack direct communication, are not expected to attend. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has opted out due to a Jewish holiday.
Israel has dismissed any involvement of the internationally supported Palestinian Authority, headed by Mahmoud Abbas, who arrived in Sharm el-Sheikh for the summit.
This gathering follows significant moves by Hamas, releasing 20 remaining Israeli hostages, and Israel, which has initiated the release of hundreds of Palestinians held in its prisons, marking pivotal steps in the recently commenced ceasefire. However, the uncertainty of the post-ceasefire scenario raises concerns about potential conflict resurgence as global efforts strive for enduring peace.
A New Page - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi's office declared that the summit's goal is to conclude the hostile engagements in Gaza and usher in peace and regional stability, aligning with US President Donald Trump’s vision.
The US, alongside Arab nations and Turkey, exerted pressure for the initial phase of the ceasefire, brokered in Qatar.
Previously, in March, Egypt proposed a post-conflict plan for Gaza, advocating for its 2.3 million residents to remain, countering Trump’s earlier depopulation plan for the territory.
The co-chairship by Trump and el-Sissi underscores their collaborative path forward.
Egypt's Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of Israel and Hamas executing the first phase to facilitate negotiations for the second phase, backed internationally.
Trump’s vision involves sustained commitment to the peace process, demanding engagement and potentially deploying international forces on-site for peacekeeping in subsequent stages, according to Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.
Abdelatty voiced the necessity for American involvement, potentially on the ground, to define and execute the mission and mandate of the international force, pending a UN Security Council resolution.
The summit, anticipated to last approximately two hours, is unlikely to delve deeply into remaining contentious issues. El-Sissi and Trump plan to deliver a joint statement post-summit.
Under the ceasefire’s initial phase, Israeli troops retracted from sections of Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return. Aid organizations are gearing up to supply long-deferred assistance.
Critical Challenges Ahead - The road ahead involves addressing Hamas's disarmament, forming a post-conflict government for Gaza, and delineating Israel's pullback. Trump's blueprint also proposes regional and international collaboration to establish a new Palestinian security contingent.
For the international force, a UN Security Council endorsement is essential to authorize deployment and define its peacekeeping mandate, noted Abdelatty.
Financial backing for Gaza’s reconstruction poses another major hurdle. Estimates by the World Bank and Egypt indicate the recovery and reconstruction will require USD 53 billion. Egypt plans to host a future conference focusing on reconstruction fundraising.
Before reaching a truce, Israel and Hamas engaged in indirect negotiations in Doha, facilitated by Egypt and Qatar. Iran, Hamas’s long-time ally, is absent from the summit, reflecting its diminished regional influence despite portraying the ceasefire as a Hamas victory.
A State Function - The summit is predicted to witness commendation of Trump’s ceasefire endeavors. El-Sissi could likely express relief over the abandonment of Gaza depopulation plans.
Among the attendees are Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, recognizing Turkey’s significant contribution to the ceasefire agreement.
Jordan’s King Abdullah also plans to attend, with Jordan and Egypt slated to train the new Palestinian security forces.
Germany will send Chancellor Friedrich Merz, with concerns over Israel’s wartime conduct and takeover plans in Gaza. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also attending, pledging £20 million for water and sanitation in Gaza and announcing Britain’s intention to host a subsequent conference for Gaza’s reconstruction.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, EU President António Costa, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are also among the dignitaries congregating.
The Venue - Sharm el-Sheikh has hosted numerous peace talks over decades. Briefly occupied by Israel for a year in 1956, it saw a United Nations peace force placement before Egypt’s decision led to the Six-Day War in 1967.
Returned to Egypt in 1982 following the 1979 peace treaty, Sharm el-Sheikh has transitioned into a luxurious resort area and has hosted many peace initiatives under previous Egyptian leaderships.
Monday’s gathering marks the first peace summit under President el-Sissi. (AP) SKS SKS
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