Sharm El-Sheikh Summit: Will Gaza’s Peace Emerge from the Red Sea?
Analysis – BETH Media
What’s New?
Egypt is set to host more than 20 world leaders at the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit on Monday, aiming to “end the war in Gaza” and solidify the current ceasefire agreement, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.
The summit will be co-chaired by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and U.S. President Donald Trump, in a move that reshapes the regional political landscape.
International reports confirm the participation of leaders from the United Nations and Europe, amid uncertainty surrounding the direct attendance of Israel and Hamas.
Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities reported the death of three Qatari diplomats in a road accident while en route to the summit’s preparatory meetings.
What’s on the Table?
The agenda focuses on consolidating the ceasefire (Phase I), expanding humanitarian aid access, facilitating prisoner exchanges, and discussing “the day after” — governance, security, and reconstruction.
Earlier this week, Paris hosted a preparatory Arab–European meeting to frame transition strategies for the post-war phase, known diplomatically as “Designing the Day After.”
Saudi Arabia’s Position
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomed the agreement and called for its immediate implementation, commending international mediation efforts and stressing that a comprehensive peace settlement — not a temporary truce — remains the ultimate goal.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in its October 9 statement, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for all efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and justice in the region.
Paris and Beyond
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs hailed the successful first phase of the ceasefire, which allows for the release of hostages, large-scale humanitarian access, and the initiation of security and governance arrangements.
The Arab–European meeting in Paris reached consensus on a balanced transitional vision, aligning with the renewed “Trump Plan” and emphasizing joint Arab–UN supervision of governance, security, and reconstruction frameworks.
Where Does Trump Fit In?
The Sharm El-Sheikh summit grants President Trump a co-chairing role alongside Cairo, re-establishing U.S. influence in the Israeli–Palestinian file and broadening the circle of regional sponsors.
The move could pave the way for a comprehensive political, economic, and security initiative across the Middle East.
Possible Scenarios
1 – A Consolidated Truce with Confidence-Building Steps
A defined extension of the ceasefire, gradual release of detainees, expanded humanitarian access, and a preliminary framework for a regional-backed Palestinian security force.
2 – A Broader Political Understanding
A joint declaration outlining principles of governance and reconstruction, with a timeline for normalization and security guarantees, under Arab–UN supervision and international funding.
3 – Procedural Deadlock and Delay
Disputes over representation and the “day-after” framework may lead to a symbolic statement only — pending further rounds of negotiation.
Why It Matters to the Kingdom
A successful summit could pave the way for a more stable regional environment aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision for Security and Development, while reinforcing its leadership among Arab peace sponsors.
The Kingdom has repeatedly emphasized that sustainable peace outweighs temporary ceasefires, and that true stability depends on justice and a viable solution for the Palestinian people.
Indicators to Watch (Next 72 Hours)
Final communiqué wording: Will it include a timeline for governance and reconstruction?
Security arrangements in Gaza: A Palestinian police force under regional or international supervision?
Level of Israeli–Palestinian representation: How it affects the legitimacy of the settlement.
Funding commitments: Scale of international pledges for Gaza’s reconstruction.
BETH Summary
The Sharm El-Sheikh Summit represents a critical test window:
Either a genuine peace roadmap that turns the ceasefire into a gateway for “the day after”,
or a fragile pause that collapses back into conflict at the first shock.
The measure of success lies in the ability of key sponsors — Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, along with Arab and European partners —
to translate political agreements into a secure, livable reality on the ground.
📄 Reference Notes
Saudi Statement:
“Welcoming the Gaza ceasefire agreement and supporting its immediate implementation, commending mediation efforts, and urging progress toward a comprehensive peace accord.”
Paris Meeting Summary:
“Welcoming the completion of Phase I, the release of hostages, large-scale humanitarian access, and the end of military operations — paving the way for post-war arrangements.”