In a dramatic twist to the long-awaited Gaza ceasefire, both Israel and Hamas have confirmed their absence from the formal signing ceremony scheduled for Monday, October 13, 2025, in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh resort. The US-brokered deal, hailed as a potential turning point after nearly two years of devastating conflict, will proceed without the direct involvement of the primary parties, underscoring the fragile dynamics of Middle East diplomacy. US President Donald Trump, fresh from a bilateral meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and families of the remaining hostages, is en route to Egypt to co-host the summit alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The event, described by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry as "historic," seeks to not only formalize the truce but also address broader regional security concerns, including aid distribution and post-war reconstruction in Gaza.

The initial phase of the agreement outlines critical steps toward de-escalation: the release of the last 48 hostages held by Hamas—believed to include around 20 still alive—early Monday morning, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody. This will be accompanied by a surge in humanitarian aid convoys entering Gaza and a partial Israeli troop withdrawal from major urban centers like Gaza City and Khan Younis. Netanyahu's office emphasized that prisoner releases would only commence "after all Gaza hostages arrive in Israel," signaling strict adherence to sequencing amid past negotiation pitfalls. Hamas, through political bureau member Hossam Badran, dismissed the signing as unnecessary, stating in an AFP interview, "The matter of the official signing—we will not be involved," while crediting Qatari and Egyptian mediators for facilitating the talks. Their earlier rejection of parts of Trump's proposal as "absurd" highlighted lingering distrust, particularly over guarantees for a permanent end to hostilities.

Notably absent from the summit are Israeli officials, as confirmed by Netanyahu spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian: "No Israeli official will attend." This decision reflects Jerusalem's preference for bilateral channels over multilateral fanfare, especially given domestic pressures from hostage families and hardline coalition partners wary of concessions. Hamas echoed this sentiment, opting to channel influence through trusted intermediaries rather than direct participation, a move that avoids the optics of legitimizing the event while maintaining leverage in implementation. The boycott by both sides raises questions about the summit's enforceability, with analysts warning that without buy-in from the combatants, the signed document risks becoming symbolic rather than substantive. Yet, proponents argue it provides a framework for international oversight, potentially pressuring both parties through global accountability.

Also Read: UN Assembly Sees Urgent Diplomatic Efforts to Resolve Sudan War

The summit will instead draw a constellation of world leaders committed to regional stability, representing over 20 nations and underscoring the conflict's far-reaching implications. Confirmed attendees include UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose organization has been pivotal in aid coordination; British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, advocating for a two-state solution; Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni; Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez; French President Emmanuel Macron; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan; and Jordan's King Abdullah II, whose country plays a key role in Gaza's water and energy supply. The European Council will be represented by President Antonio Costa, signaling unified EU support. Regional heavyweights like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are expected to send high-level envoys, while Qatar and Egypt—veteran mediators—will host pivotal sessions on reconstruction funding. Trump's presence, leveraging his administration's aggressive push for the deal, aims to reassert US influence in the Middle East post-Abraham Accords.

As the ink prepares to dry on a declaration promising an end to the Gaza war and a pathway to peace, the summit represents a beacon of hope amid over 41,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread devastation, per UN estimates. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry emphasized its dual goals: alleviating Palestinian suffering through immediate aid ramps and bolstering security to prevent resurgence of hostilities. With Trump set to deliver opening remarks on post-conflict governance and economic revival, the event could catalyze billions in pledges for Gaza's rebuild. However, the no-shows by Israel and Hamas serve as a sobering reminder of the chasm between agreement and execution. As global eyes turn to Sharm el-Sheikh, the world holds its breath, hoping this multilateral gathering can bridge divides where bilateral talks have faltered, ushering in a fragile but vital era of stability.

Also Read: UNGA 2025: Lesser-Known Leaders Deliver Powerful Global Messages