Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit (2025) is an international peace meeting held on 13 October 2025 in Sharm el-Sheikh Egypt. The summit was convened to end over two years of hostilities in the Gaza Strip, solidify the existing ceasefire, resume humanitarian aid, and establish international cooperation for the region’s reconstruction.
The summit was co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and United States President Donald Trump. More than 20 national leaders attended the summit. As a result, the parties signed two documents: the Sharm el-Sheikh Agreement and the Gaza Declaration. These documents established a common framework for international guarantees of the ceasefire, coordination of Gaza’s reconstruction process, and the institutional foundations of peace.
Pre-Summit Process
Implementation of the Ceasefire in Gaza
Before the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit, a ceasefire agreement in Gaza came into effect. Following direct mediation by U.S. President Donald Trump, an agreement was reached between the Israeli government and Hamas on the first phase of a comprehensive ceasefire plan for Gaza.
On 9 October 2025, Trump announced that the parties had endorsed the ceasefire plan during negotiations held in Egypt. The agreement, signed in Egypt, entered into force on 10 October 2025 at 12:00 local time following Israeli government approval. This agreement marked the first implementation step under Trump’s administration’s 20-point Gaza Plan, which outlined multiple stages of the peace process.
With the ceasefire in effect, an exchange of prisoners began between the parties in Gaza. After Hamas released 20 Israeli civilians, the Israeli authorities released Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons.
Additionally, under the terms of the agreement, the Israeli military withdrew to the border line designated as the “yellow line”. On the same day, it was announced that humanitarian aid corridors had been opened, with hundreds of aid trucks entering the region and beginning the delivery of medical supplies food and other essential humanitarian needs.
Trump’s Visit to Israel
On the morning of the day the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit was to be held, U.S. President Donald Trump visited Israel for pre-summit consultations. Trump landed at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv on the morning of 13 October 2025 and was received by Israeli officials.
During his visit to Israel, in a brief address to the Knesset, Trump declared that the two-year-long war had “officially ended” and stated that “a new era has begun with the cessation of hostilities in Gaza.” After the visit, Trump departed Israel later that day and traveled to Sharm el-Sheikh Egypt. A White House statement noted that before leaving Israel, Trump had “completed the final preparations for a historic peace agreement in the region.” Shortly after Trump’s convoy departed for Egypt, the White House spokesperson announced the title of the document to be signed at the summit: “The Trump Declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity.”
Trump’s arrival in Sharm el-Sheikh coincided with the gathering of leaders attending the summit. The U.S. president proceeded directly from the airport to the Sharm el-Sheikh International Fair Center, where he was welcomed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Before the ceremony, Trump made a brief statement emphasizing that “the reconstruction of Gaza is the most vital component of peace” and asserted the necessity of “disarming Gaza” and establishing “a new civilian police force.”
As preparations for the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit continued, it was announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would not attend the summit. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office stated that despite invitations from U.S. President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Netanyahu would not participate in the summit.
It has been reported that Egyptian President Sisi personally invited Netanyahu through U.S. President Trump, but Israel indicated it would not be represented at the summit due to “programmatic intensity and national security meetings.” The Israeli government did not send an official delegation to the summit but announced through its embassy in Egypt that it was closely monitoring the ceasefire process.
Summit Participants
Many national leaders attended the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit at the invitation of Egyptian President Abdelfattah el-Sisi and U.S. President Donald Trump. According to information reported by the Anadolu Agency and international media outlets, the heads of state and government present at the summit included Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of France Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer, Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz, Deputy President of the United Arab Emirates Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif, King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney.
Representatives of international organizations and regional diplomatic delegations also participated in the summit. President of the European Council (EC) Antonio Costa attended on behalf of the European Union and announced that the EU would assume an active role in the reconstruction process of Gaza. Costa stated that the EU would re-activate its responsibilities in the areas of security, border management and capacity building, and that the EUBAM Rafah (EU Border Assistance Mission at the Gaza-Egypt border) and EUPOL COPPS (EU Police Mission supporting Palestinian security institutions in the West Bank) missions would return to the field.
Diplomatic Meetings and Leaders’ Statements
Participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accepted the invitation from Egyptian President Abdelfattah el-Sisi and U.S. President Donald Trump and arrived in Sharm el-Sheikh on 13 October 2025. President Erdoğan traveled to Egypt accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Head of the National Intelligence Organization Ibrahim Kalın, Director of the Presidency of Communications Burhanettin Duran, and Presidential Advisor on Foreign Policy and Security Akif Çağatay Kılıç.
Upon landing at Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport, President Erdoğan was received by Egyptian President Sisi, and the two held a brief bilateral meeting. They then proceeded to the International Fair Center, where the summit was held. Prior to the summit, Erdoğan held bilateral meetings with several world leaders, during which the topics of solidifying the ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian aid delivery, and accelerating the reconstruction process were discussed.
During the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit, President Erdoğan held separate meetings with the following leaders:
- Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,
- President of France Emmanuel Macron,
- Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer,
- Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni,
- Deputy President of the United Arab Emirates Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The meetings addressed the two-state solution perspective, Gaza’s reconstruction, and regional cooperation. President Erdoğan emphasized during these talks that “the two-state solution is indispensable for achieving lasting peace in Gaza.” He also stressed the need for unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and the immediate commencement of reconstruction efforts. Erdoğan affirmed that Türkiye would continue contributing to the peace process, stating that “lasting regional stability can be achieved through regional diplomacy.”
In post-summit statements, it was noted that Erdoğan’s engagements in Egypt were productive and that Türkiye plans to lead humanitarian aid operations in Gaza. After the summit concluded, President Erdoğan departed from Egypt; he was seen off by Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhy and Türkiye’s Ambassador to Cairo Salih Mutlu Şen.
Statements by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
Prior to the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a statement regarding Germany’s participation in the summit. Merz indicated that during the meeting in Egypt, “an important document would be signed.” He affirmed Germany’s support for the peace process and stated that the document to be signed at the summit would contribute to achieving lasting peace in Gaza.
Merz, in his statement, thanked Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing that the efforts of these leaders had been decisive in making the ceasefire in Gaza sustainable and restarting humanitarian aid. The German Chancellor noted that Germany would play an active role in reconstruction initiatives within the European Union (EU), highlighting the importance of international burden-sharing regarding the security of civilians in Gaza and the restoration of infrastructure.
In the same statement, Merz affirmed that Germany was prepared to provide technical support and financial contributions within the EU framework for the reconstruction of Palestine, and noted that the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit represented a critical turning point for Europe’s vision of peace in both diplomatic and humanitarian terms. In his final statement before traveling to Egypt, Merz stated that the signature at the summit would be “a step institutionalizing the European Union’s participation in peace.”
German Chancellor Merz’s remarks have spurred increased interest in the EU dimension of the summit within the European press. In this context, Merz held meetings during the summit with both EU Council President Antonio Costa and French President Emmanuel Macron. The discussions focused on Europe’s contribution to Gaza’s reconstruction and the reactivation of the EUBAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS missions.
Summit Sessions and Signing Ceremony
Opening Remarks
The Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit began on 13 October 2025 with an opening address by U.S. President Donald Trump. The ceremony was held at the Sharm el-Sheikh International Fair Center. In his speech, Trump stated that following the implementation of the ceasefire in Gaza, “the reconstruction process has begun,” adding: “Today is an incredible day not only for the Middle East but for the entire world. It took three thousand years to reach this point, but this agreement will be lasting.”
Trump, declaring that the war in Gaza had ended, said: “Reconstruction may well be the easiest part. We have left the hardest part behind us; we know what remains to be done.” He went on to thank regional leaders, particularly highlighting the roles of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Addressing Erdoğan, he said: “He is a tough man but my friend. He has always stood by me; I thank him.”
Following Trump, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi took the podium to deliver his speech. Sisi stated: “Implementing the Gaza Agreement is essential for a two-state solution and the integration of the region’s peoples. Let the war in Gaza be the last war in the Middle East.” He further affirmed that the Palestinian people have the right to live in an independent state, one that exists in peace with Israel based on mutual recognition.
Sisi concluded his speech by announcing Egypt’s plan to host an international conference on Gaza’s reconstruction. During the same ceremony, Egyptian President Sisi presented U.S. President Donald Trump with Egypt’s “Order of the Nile.” This is Egypt’s highest state honor, awarded to heads of state who have rendered distinguished service to humanity.
Signing of the “Sharm el-Sheikh Agreement”
In the second session of the summit, the “Sharm el-Sheikh Agreement” was signed to ensure the durability of the ceasefire in Gaza and to institutionalize the reconstruction process. The agreement was signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The signing ceremony took place at the Sharm el-Sheikh International Fair Center; after the ceremony, the leaders posed for a family photograph. Numerous heads of state and government also attended the event. The text of the agreement includes provisions in which the parties reaffirm their “joint commitments to peace, security and prosperity in the region.”
The framework of the agreement was established by the Trump administration’s “20-Point Gaza Plan,” which includes:
- Continuation of the ceasefire,
- Completion of prisoner exchanges,
- Disarmament of Gaza,
- Establishment of a new civilian police force,
- Management of reconstruction financing through international mechanisms
After the signing ceremony, Trump stated, “We are currently at the third and fourth stages of the plan. We are moving toward a great, magnificent, and lasting peace.” He also announced the establishment of a new body called the “Peace Council” to ensure the continuity of the peace process. It was indicated that this council would consist of representatives from the United States, Egypt, Türkiye and Qatar, with the participation of other countries expected in the coming period.
In his speech, Trump emphasized that regional countries would make significant financial contributions to the reconstruction of Gaza, adding, “The reconstruction of Gaza may well be the easiest part. This process offers an opportunity to restore the well-being of the people in the region.”
With the signing of the agreement, the war in Gaza was officially declared over at the international level. Preliminary work on the reconstruction commission, to be formed with the participation of international institutions alongside the signatory countries, was also launched at the summit.
The “Trump Declaration” and Joint Statement
Following the signing of the Sharm el-Sheikh Agreement, a joint statement was issued by the leaders of the United States, Egypt, Türkiye and Qatar. This document was publicly announced by the White House under the title “The Trump Declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity.”
The statement characterized the end of the two-year war in Gaza as a “historic commitment” and confirmed the determination of all parties to implement the Trump Peace Plan. The key principles outlined in the text are as follows:
- Establishing lasting peace, security and prosperity in the Middle East,
- Equality, security, human dignity and mutual respect for all peoples,
- Combating extremism and radicalization,
- Resolving disputes through diplomatic means,
- Strengthening the sense of shared destiny and solidarity among states in the region.
The statement affirmed that for Palestinians and Israelis, “the protection of fundamental human rights, the guarantee of security and the preservation of dignity” must be upheld. “This region must be a place where everyone, regardless of religion, ethnic origin or belief, can live in peace, security and economic prosperity.”
The text also emphasized that religions such as Christianity, Islam and Judaism are “intertwined with the region’s historical and spiritual heritage.” It was stated that preserving this heritage and ensuring the security of holy sites are prerequisites for the peace process.
The statement further declared that the parties would combat all forms of extremism and radicalization and would not allow the normalization of violence and racism. The text included the following: “No society can thrive in an environment where violence and racism become normalized. We will work to eliminate the conditions that fuel extremism and establish education, equal opportunity and mutual respect as the foundations of lasting peace.”
The parties also agreed that all future disputes must be resolved through diplomatic channels. It was stressed that the Middle East must break free from its “long-standing cycle of conflict” and called for “future generations to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.”
In the White House statement, it was noted that the declaration “completes the first phase of the Trump Peace Plan” and that the implementation of the agreement would serve as “the cornerstone of regional stability.” At the end of the statement, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of “tolerance, dignity and equal opportunity.”
Leaders’ Statements
Donald Trump’s Statements
U.S. President Donald Trump, during his remarks at the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit, stated that the war in Gaza had ended and that the ceasefire had entered a permanent phase. In his remarks following the summit, Trump said, “The reconstruction of Gaza will be the easiest part. We have dealt with the hardest part; now we are building the peace process.”
Trump stated that the "20-Point Gaza Plan" forms the foundation of the peace process, explaining that the plan envisions the continuation of the ceasefire, the establishment of security, the disarmament of Gaza, the creation of a new civilian police force, and the international oversight of the reconstruction process. The U.S. President also noted during his speech that the process is currently in its "third and fourth phases."
Trump further indicated that Arab countries in the region would make significant financial contributions to Gaza’s reconstruction, saying: "These countries have so much; there is more money and power behind us. They are truly among the most powerful and wealthy nations in the world."
The U.S. President announced the establishment of a new body called the "Peace Council" to coordinate the peace process, stating that it would consist of representatives from the United States, Egypt, Türkiye, and Qatar. It was also indicated that the council would be open to the participation of other countries in the future.
As Trump departed Egypt after the summit, he responded to questions from journalists. In remarks made aboard his aircraft, he addressed the two-state solution debate by saying: "I am not talking about a state, a dual state, or two states. We are talking about the reconstruction of Gaza." He also responded to criticism of the ceasefire announcement by stating: "We achieved peace at the right time. Do you want more people to die? Our timing was perfect."
In his remarks, Trump noted that sanctions against Iran remain in place, adding: "Iran cannot withstand these sanctions for long. At some point, they will want them lifted." In the same interview, responding to a question about Turkish President Erdoğan, he said: "Yes, Erdoğan commands respect from Russia. I can only deal with strong people, not weak ones."
Abdul Fattah al-Sisi’s Statements
Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, in his address at the closing session of the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit, emphasized that the implementation of the Gaza Agreement is essential for realizing the two-state solution and integrating the region’s populations. Sisi called for lasting peace, stating: "The war in Gaza must be the last war in the Middle East."
The Egyptian President affirmed that the Palestinian people have the right to live in their own independent state and that this state must coexist with Israel "in peace, security, and mutual recognition." He added: "Each people of the region has the right to live in their own independent national state; the Palestinian people are no exception. They too have the right to determine their own destiny, to look forward with hope to a future beyond the shadow of war, and to live freely in their own independent state."
Sisi also articulated the goal of a Middle East "free from weapons of mass destruction and any element threatening the region’s stability," thereby underscoring that regional disarmament is a prerequisite for lasting peace.
The Egyptian President also announced plans to organize an international conference on Gaza’s reconstruction, specifying that it would be hosted by Egypt to coordinate the rebuilding of areas devastated by the war and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
During bilateral meetings held on the sidelines of the summit, Sisi acknowledged the diplomatic roles of Türkiye and Qatar, stating: "Egypt appreciates the efforts made by Türkiye and Qatar to secure the ceasefire." In concluding his speech, he called on the international community to act in unison to sustain the peace process: "Let us begin a new era governed by justice and coexistence in peace. Extend your hands and jointly build a fair and lasting peace for all peoples of the region."
European Union Representation and Statements
The European Union (EU) was represented at the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit by Council President Antonio Costa. Following the summit, the EU Council issued a written statement confirming that the European Union would assume an active role in Gaza’s reconstruction process.
Antonio Costa thanked U.S. President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi for hosting the summit, saying: "We are grateful to both leaders for their leadership of this Peace Summit." Costa noted that this summit is the result of the international community’s efforts toward a ceasefire, a two-state solution, and lasting peace.
In the statement, it was emphasized that the European Union is committed to actively working with all parties in the implementation process of the Peace Plan. Costa stated, “We are ready to participate in the International Peace Council and to support transition management, recovery, and reconstruction processes.”
Costa also confirmed that the EU’s contribution would extend to the security sector, announcing that the EUBAM Rafah (the EU’s border assistance mission at the Gaza-Egypt border) and EUPOL COPPS (the EU Police Mission supporting Palestinian security institutions in the West Bank) would return to the field. It was stated that these missions would contribute to Gaza’s stability and reconstruction.
EU Council President Costa further noted in his statement that the Palestinian Authority and its reform agenda would continue to receive support, and announced that 1.6 billion euros had been allocated for the Palestinian Authority for the period 2025–2027. It was explained that these funds would be used to provide technical expertise and financial support for Gaza’s reconstruction.
Costa indicated that, if conditions permit, humanitarian aid would be increased and that the European Union would continue to contribute toward ensuring that Gaza becomes “a part of a demilitarized, democratic Palestinian state.” These statements formally confirmed the EU’s participation in the international coordination mechanism established after the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit.
Statements by French President Emmanuel Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron, in his remarks following the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit, stated that humanitarian aid to Gaza would be rapidly increased and that “humanitarian access will be accelerated starting tomorrow.” Macron affirmed that the ceasefire was being fully respected and that all hostages held by Hamas had been released.
Speaking to journalists at the airport before leaving Egypt after the signing of the Sharm el-Sheikh Declaration of Intent, Macron said that a decisive step toward peace in Gaza had been taken and that the international community must support this process. Macron said, “We will cooperate with the United States and Israel to ensure the uninterrupted and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.”
Macron announced that an international aid conference for Gaza’s reconstruction would be held in the coming weeks. The first phase of the conference will focus on humanitarian assistance and infrastructure repair, while the second phase will mobilize funding to rapidly initiate Gaza’s stability and reconstruction.
In response to a question regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s absence from the summit, Macron stated that this situation could present challenges for many leaders and that the summit format represented “a change that is not yet ready.” With this assessment, Macron added that the current format of the summit had created “an appropriate diplomatic foundation for launching peace.”
Statements by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in her remarks following the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit, stated that Italy was ready to fulfill its responsibilities in Gaza. Referring to the summit and the signed Declaration of Intent, Meloni said, “Today is undoubtedly a historic day. I am extremely proud that Italy is here.”
Meloni assessed the ceasefire agreement in Gaza as “a success of U.S. President Donald Trump.” She added, “Trump has every right to say this is a major achievement,” and further stated, “We must also thank the mediators who worked to achieve this outcome: His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt.”
Meloni referenced her earlier statements during the United Nations General Assembly in September, indicating that Italy’s position on recognizing a Palestinian state could change. Reminding that Italy had previously conditioned recognition on “the release of hostages and Hamas’s absence from governance in Gaza,” she said, “Clearly, if the plan is implemented, Italy’s recognition of Palestine will become even more imminent.”
The Italian Prime Minister also affirmed that her country would continue its military and technical contributions toward preserving peace and ensuring security. She recalled that the Italian Carabinieri had long provided training to the Palestinian Police and added, “On the security front, the Italian Carabinieri have been training the Palestinian Police for years. We are also cooperating with European missions in the West Bank.”
