Gaza Peace Summit 2025

Context

On October 13, 2025, a historic peace agreement was reached in Gaza, ending the two-year-long Israel-Hamas war. Under the mediation of US President Donald Trump, Hamas released hostages, and Israel released prisoners. This was followed by a summit in the Egyptian city of Sharm el-Sheikh, where the Gaza Declaration was signed.

About the Gaza Peace Summit

• This summit was held to permanently end the Israel-Hamas war.
• It was held in the Egyptian city of Sharm el-Sheikh.

Key Points

• US President Donald Trump called it the "Trump Peace Plan," which is based on a 20-point proposal.
• The conference discussed a ceasefire, hostage release, Gaza reconstruction, and long-term peace.
• The conference proposed running Gaza under a 'Board of Peace', headed by Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
• However, Israel has rejected the role of the Palestinian Authority (PA).

Participants

• Main signatories include US President Donald Trump, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (the four guarantors); leaders from 20 other countries also participated.
• However, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas representatives were absent.
• India: India was represented by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh.

Key Outcomes of the Conference

• Ceasefire: A ceasefire from October 10, 2025, which is part of the first phase of the Trump plan. Trump said, "This is about making the impossible possible."
• Humanitarian aid: Immediate supplies of food, fuel, and medicine to Gaza. According to the World Bank, $53 billion is needed for reconstruction.
• Peace approach: Emphasis on tolerance, dignity, and equal opportunity. Trump said the region will become a hub of peace, security, and prosperity.
• Phase 2: Talks on reconstruction and governance begin, but the steps are mixed. Egypt will hold a reconstruction conference in November.
• Trump's role: Al-Sisi called Trump "the only person who can bring peace to the region."

Hostage Release

• Hamas released the last 20 surviving hostages on Monday, freeing them after two years of captivity.
• A total of 251 hostages were captured in the October 7, 2023, attack, of which 47 remain.
• In return, Israel released 1,968 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 security prisoners and 1,700 captured during the war.
• Hamas will return the bodies of 27 dead hostages and the remains of a soldier from 2014.

Gaza Declaration

• This document, called the "Trump Declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity," was signed by four leaders (Trump, al-Sisi, Qatar's Emir, and Erdogan).
• It is symbolic but binding, cementing the ceasefire.
• The declaration opens a new chapter in a comprehensive peace arrangement in Gaza, friendly relations with Israel's neighbors, and hope and security for all.
• This is a historic implementation of the Trump peace agreement, ending two years of suffering.

India's View

• India has taken a balanced approach to the Gaza crisis. Abstained from voting on UN resolutions in 2025, but called for hostage release and a ceasefire.
• In July 2025, India stated in the UN Security Council that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worrying, and that a ceasefire and hostage release would improve the situation.
• India supports a two-state solution and has been providing humanitarian assistance to Palestine.
• India recognized Palestine in 1988. Currently, Palestine is an observer member of the United Nations, not a full member.

Challenges

• Hamas refuses to disarm, which undermines the ceasefire.
• Israel has not promised a full withdrawal from Gaza, leading to continued tensions.
• Disagreement over who will administer Gaza and the need for $53 billion for reconstruction.
• Pressure from countries like Turkey, which harbor Hamas political leaders.
• The war has killed 1,219 Israelis and thousands of Palestinians; aid delivery is difficult.

The Way Forward

• Urgent negotiations are needed on reconstruction, governance, and borders.
• Ensure uninterrupted supplies of food, medicine, and fuel across all borders.
• Global pressure for the creation of a Palestinian state, with countries like India taking an active role.
• Increase the role of mediators (Egypt, Qatar) and maintain UN oversight.
• Countries like India should provide construction and economic assistance so that Gaza can prosper. This will bring lasting peace to the Middle East, and the dream of "Peace 2025" will be realized.