‘Sharm El-Sheikh , Egypt – October 14, 2025

Golden age of the Middle East …

These inspiring words from U.S. President Donald Trump set the tone for the historic Sharm El-Sheikh Summit in Egypt on Monday, where world leaders gathered to celebrate and formalize the peace agreement that has brought a two-year conflict in Gaza to a definitive close. Co-chaired by President Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the summit succeeded in galvanizing international support for the future of the region, marking a pivotal moment that the U.S. President hailed as “the dawn of a new Middle East” and a promise of a ‘golden age of the Middle East’ defined by stability and prosperity.

The summit was held in the wake of the successful first phase of the peace plan—the cessation of hostilities and the exchange of all remaining living Israeli hostages for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Speaking to the assembled heads of state and officials from over 20 nations, President Trump expressed immense relief and optimism. “This is the day that people across the region and around the world have been working, striving, hoping and praying for,” he stated, adding that “after years of suffering and bloodshed, the war in Gaza is over.”

The positive rhetoric was met with mutual praise; President of Egypt Abdul Fattah El-Sisi, who was instrumental in the mediation efforts, welcomed the courageous leadership that had contributed to ending the conflict, and later announced he would bestow the ‘Order of the Nile,’ Egypt’s highest state honour, upon President Trump.

The core of the summit was the ceremonial signing of a joint declaration by the four main mediators—the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey—solidifying their collective commitment to the next phases of the peace plan. This document essentially serves as a guarantee for the ceasefire, underscoring a united international front against any renewal of violence. President Trump urged all nations to join the momentum, building upon the successes of the Abraham Accords and steering the region towards a shared future. He insisted that the first steps were the hardest, but with this joint effort, all momentum is now toward a “great, glorious and lasting peace.”

The event itself was designed to create an irreversible diplomatic anchor for the deal. By gathering world leaders, the co-chairs ensured that the peace plan has broad international backing, making it significantly more challenging for any party to unilaterally undermine the ceasefire. The message was clear: the world is united in its determination to see the full implementation of the peace deal. Although Israel and Hamas were not present at the signing—Prime Minister Netanyahu citing a religious holiday—their absence was deliberately managed, with the summit focusing on securing the commitment of the deal’s guarantors rather than the negotiating parties themselves. The successful completion of the prisoner exchange, which included the return of remains of deceased hostages and the release of life-sentence prisoners, provided tangible evidence that the agreement, despite its complexities, is already functional and delivering on its promises. The global reaction was overwhelmingly positive, with leaders from the UK, India, and other nations expressing their determination to support the recovery and development phase of the peace initiative. This unified diplomatic thrust aims to ensure that the golden age Trump envisioned is within reach.

Headline Points

 * Peace Declared in Gaza: U.S. President Donald Trump announced the two-year war in Gaza is officially “over” at the international summit in Egypt.

 * International Endorsement Secured: Leaders from over 20 countries, including the four key mediators (U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey), signed a joint declaration supporting the full implementation of the peace deal.

 * Trump Honoured by Egypt: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced he will award President Trump the ‘Order of the Nile,’ recognizing his leadership in securing the agreement.

 * Focus on ‘New Era’: Trump described the agreement as ushering in a “historic dawn of a new Middle East” and a potential “golden age” for the region.

 * Hostage-Prisoner Exchange Complete: The summit took place immediately following the successful exchange of all remaining living Israeli hostages for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

 * Momentum for Development: The deal is seen as building on the Abraham Accords and pushing for greater regional cooperation and stability.