By:  Aya Hassen

October 13, 2025

The Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh is once again living up to its title, “the City of Peace,” as it hosts a high-stakes international summit aimed at securing a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and reviving the stalled Middle East peace process.

Jointly convened by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and former U.S. President Donald Trump, the gathering brings together more than twenty world leaders and heads of government for intensive talks on stability and reconciliation in the region.

The summit comes at a delicate moment, just days after Israel’s cabinet approved the first phase of Trump’s proposed peace plan—beginning with the implementation of a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

Analysts say the meeting reflects renewed international confidence in Egypt’s diplomatic weight as a reliable broker and stabilizing force in a turbulent Middle East.

Global Participation

Among the confirmed attendees are French President Emmanuel Macron, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, along with senior representatives from the United Nations, European Union, and Arab League.

Diplomatic observers note that such a high-profile turnout underscores Cairo’s credibility as a bridge between opposing sides and a platform capable of steering dialogue toward a sustainable regional peace.

Who’s Not at the Table

Noticeably absent are Israel and Hamas.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that no official delegation would attend, while Hamas sources told reporters the group will follow proceedings through Egyptian and Qatari mediators.

Iran also declined the invitation; President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran “will not join any summit that fails to address the roots of the conflict.”

Egypt’s Role

Egyptian diplomatic sources told Misr Mubasher the summit “reaffirms Egypt’s historic commitment to peace and dialogue.” They added that Sharm El-Sheikh is once again positioning itself as a meeting ground between East and West.

According to the same sources, Cairo’s immediate goal is to stabilize the humanitarian truce and lay the groundwork for broader political negotiations that ensure lasting security in Gaza and the wider region.

Outlook and Expectations

Political analysts see the summit as a fresh assertion of Egypt’s diplomatic influence—placing Cairo back at the center of regional decision-making and restoring its reputation as a pragmatic power able to balance global and regional interests.

The opening session, scheduled for later today, will feature speeches by Presidents El-Sisi and Trump, followed by closed-door consultations among participating delegations to draft a joint final communiqué.

As the world turns its attention to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt once again stands as a voice of reason and a hub for dialogue—affirming that just and comprehensive peace remains its strategic choice and enduring mission in a region that rarely rests.