DLNews World of War:

A Historic Dawn in Sharm el-Sheikh

In the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump and a group of world leaders signed what is being hailed as a breakthrough Gaza ceasefire agreement—an accord that may signal a new chapter for the Middle East. The signing capped a day of extraordinary developments, including the release of all remaining living Israeli hostages from Gaza and the freeing of hundreds of Palestinian detainees.

Earlier in the day, President Trump stood before Israel’s Knesset and declared the moment a “historic dawn of a new Middle East,” describing the deal as the culmination of months of quiet, tense diplomacy. The ceasefire document, signed by leaders from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States, reportedly outlines mutual commitments to peace, reconstruction, and cooperation, though its full text has not yet been made public.

The day was marked by both grief and relief. Hamas handed over the 20 remaining living hostages to Israeli authorities and four coffins containing the bodies of deceased captives. In return, Israel released more than 1,700 Palestinians detained without charge, along with 250 long-term prisoners convicted by Israeli courts. In hospitals across Israel, the freed hostages were reunited with their families in emotional scenes—parents embracing children, siblings reunited after years apart, and survivors smiling through tears.

In Gaza and the West Bank, crowds gathered as buses carrying released detainees rolled in to thunderous cheers. For many families, the homecomings marked the end of years of uncertainty and the beginning of fragile hope.

Notably absent from the Egyptian summit was Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who cited scheduling conflicts and religious observances. The summit itself was not without diplomatic friction—reports surfaced that a potential invitation to Netanyahu was withdrawn following objections from other regional leaders.

After signing the accord, Trump took the podium flanked by his counterparts, declaring, “This could be the greatest deal of them all.” He credited the teamwork of the nations involved and praised Egypt’s leadership for hosting the peace summit.

Yet beyond the celebrations, the challenges ahead loom large. Trump said that phase two of his 20-point ceasefire plan—the implementation phase—had already begun, with his special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner coordinating next steps. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi called for continued close cooperation, while his foreign minister urged consideration of U.S. troops to support stability efforts in Gaza.

Whether this moment marks a lasting peace or merely a pause in a long and painful conflict remains to be seen. For now, as families embrace and leaders shake hands, the world watches a cautious but hopeful sunrise over a region long overshadowed by war.