The global push for a lasting end to the Israel-Gaza war will culminate tomorrow in a high-level diplomatic meeting, the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit, co-chaired by US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The summit, scheduled for Monday, October 13, aims to finalise a comprehensive agreement following the recently established ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Leaders from more than 20 countries are expected to attend the Red Sea resort town meeting, which Egyptian authorities state will “end the war in the Gaza Strip, enhance efforts to bring peace and stability to the region, and usher in a new phase of security.” The meeting aligns with President Trump’s declared vision of ending prolonged global conflicts.
India to be Represented by MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited to the crucial summit, the Government of India confirmed that it will be represented by the Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh. The diplomatic presence underscores India’s support for the international efforts to secure regional stability and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The summit builds on a fragile truce that took effect on Friday, mediated through three days of intensive talks in Sharm el-Sheikh involving Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States.
Finalising the Ceasefire and Reconstruction Plan
The international gathering is primarily focused on endorsing the ceasefire and discussing the humanitarian and reconstruction measures critical for the long-term future of Gaza. The initial phase of the negotiated peace plan includes:
- The withdrawal of Israeli troops from key areas in the Gaza Strip.
- The opening of five humanitarian crossings to surge aid into the enclave.
- The release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt is also expected to reopen for limited civilian movement by the middle of next week.
High-profile attendees at the summit are expected to include UN Secretary-General António Guterres, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and the leaders of Italy and Spain. Notably, while the US extended an invitation to Iran, Israel will not be participating in the discussions. The involvement of world leaders is seen as a crucial step to consolidate the fragile peace and ensure the necessary international backing for the reconstruction of the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.