By Mirna Fahmy
The high-stakes Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit commenced on Monday, October 13, 2025, with the arrival of US President Donald Trump in the Egyptian resort city. His participation in the summit, a critical moment for Middle East diplomacy, followed a brief, one-day tour of Israel. Co-sponsored by President Trump and his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, the summit’s central objective was clear: to secure a definitive conclusion to the devastating two-year conflict in the Gaza Strip and foster broader regional stability.
The meeting, which attracted leaders from over 30 countries and numerous regional and international organizations, centered on negotiation and consensus-building. The most significant outcome was the signing of a comprehensive 20-point framework. This ambitious plan establishes terms for a permanent ceasefire, the immediate release of all prisoners held by both sides, large-scale international reconstruction efforts in Gaza, and the phased resumption of the regional peace process. Crucially, the plan places long-term security and political stability at its core, aiming to prevent future escalations.
Signaling the depth of bilateral cooperation and in recognition of the diplomatic breakthrough, President Al-Sisi presented President Trump with the Order of the Nile Necklace , Egypt’s most prestigious state honor. The award was granted in direct recognition of President Trump’s “pivotal role in halting the war in Gaza” and his unwavering support for regional peace and conflict resolution.
Adding a ceremonial flourish to the high-level diplomacy, President Trump’s arrival was marked by a formal aerial escort: Egyptian fighter jets greeted his plane upon entering Egyptian airspace, guiding it until touchdown at Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport, symbolizing the strategic importance of the visit to both nations.
The Order of the Nile: Symbol of Egypt’s Highest Honor
Signaling the depth of bilateral cooperation and in recognition of the diplomatic breakthrough, President Al-Sisi presented President Trump with the Order of the Nile Necklace, Egypt’s most prestigious state honor. The award was granted in direct recognition of President Trump’s “pivotal role in halting the war in Gaza” and his unwavering support for regional peace and conflict resolution.
Established in 1915 during the Kingdom of Egypt, the Order of the Nile (Kiladat El Nil) was reconstituted as the Republic of Egypt’s highest state honor following the abolition of the monarchy in 1953. It is reserved for heads of state and individuals who have offered exceptional, invaluable services to Egypt or humanity. Trump now joins a select roster of recipients that includes Egyptian icons such as Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz, singer Umm Kulthum, and world-renowned heart surgeon Magdi Yacoub, as well as global figures like Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth II. The honor carries a profound distinction, as its inscription reads: “Those who receive it shall be saluted upon their death”—a phrase traditionally reserved for Egypt’s most honored heroes.
Pharaonic Symbolism and Geopolitical Recognition
The Order itself is a magnificent solid-gold collar, richly engraved with Pharaonic symbols. According to the official description, the pure gold collar consists of three square units, which symbolize protection of the state from evil, prosperity and happiness brought by the Nile, and wealth and endurance. These units are linked by a circular gold flower decorated with turquoise and ruby, with a pendant symbolizing the Nile joining North (represented by the Papyrus) and South (represented by the Lotus).
The recognition of President Trump was dual-pronged: it celebrated his landmark Middle East peace deal, which successfully ended the Gaza war and reunited hostages with their families—a diplomatic triumph praised by Arab leaders—and acknowledged his strong stance on Egypt’s right to the Nile River, particularly in confronting the threat posed by Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) to Egypt’s water security.
By receiving this honor, President Trump joins a short list of global figures, cementing his legacy as the “President of Peace”—a man whose strength, persistence, and vision have once again reshaped history.
Peace Declaration Summary
The document signed by the four key mediators—Egyptian President El-Sisi, US President Trump, Turkish President Erdoğan, and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani—was a joint declaration officially known as the “Trump Declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity.” This declaration formally endorsed the earlier ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, establishing a comprehensive framework to transition the truce into lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. A key detail of the summit was the absence of the primary conflict parties: Regarding Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, conflicting reports emerged on his non-attendance. Some reports indicated his refusal was due to domestic political concerns over the potential implications of meeting Palestinian and regional leaders, which could have threatened his government coalition. Others state that he turned down Trump’s invitation citing the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah. Additionally, some sources reported that he didn’t receive a direct invitation from Egypt.
Hours before the summit, his office confirmed neither he nor any Israeli diplomatic team would attend. Hamas representatives also did not attend the summit directly; their agreement was represented indirectly via the ceasefire accord endorsed at the summit by the mediators and regional leaders. The signed text outlined detailed provisions for the end of the conflict, including a complete ceasefire, the mechanism for the ongoing hostage and prisoner exchanges, the large-scale reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, security guarantees, the demilitarization of Gaza under international supervision, and a pathway toward a political resolution supporting the goal of a two-state solution.
Politicians’ Opinions
Politicians’ opinions in Egypt were diversified regarding Trump’s visit and the peace that shall happen in the region. This political division was underlined by the fact that Trump had asked Egypt’s president to come to the White House several times this year, but Al-Sisi declined. The media and the newspaper analysis justified this decline with speculation that Trump wanted Egypt to accept the Palestinians in Sinai and Jordan so that he could transform Gaza into a Rivera. Egyptian Politician Samir Ghattas addressed these issues during a TV show with the famous Egyptian presenter Amr Adib. Ghattas stated that Egypt’s steadfastness in its position despite the pressures and risks, its rejection of displacement, and its offering of an alternative, supported the Palestinian cause against the allegations of the Muslim Brotherhood.
He pointed out that Egypt was proving the Palestinian Arab point of view and offering an alternative to the Trump plan he announced, considering that the American project does not meet Palestinian aspirations. The interview was sharp in its criticism of some media and Brotherhood figures, while firmly affirming Egypt’s support for peace and its refusal to allow the displacement of Palestinians. Ghattas also reviewed the challenges he saw facing the American peace plan and the positions of regional actors.
Though many politicians were praising Trump’s visit to Sharm El-Sheikh, pointing to the significance of Egypt’s position for its hard work to sustain peace in the region, others were a bit skeptical due to a crucial point that Ghattas mentioned. Ghattas pointed to the accusation leveled within Israel that Netanyahu is colluding with Hamas, alongside criticism directed at him for refusing responsibility for the escalation of the war. This shows the potential difficulty in how peace will be implemented from both Hamas and Netanyahu’s sides. Speculations are revolving that Netanyahu might not adhere to the peace agreements, claiming that he wasn’t there to participate and sign the peace, thus continuing the war. And the same goes with Hamas.
Arabs’ divisions:
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed were absent from the 2025 Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit. Saudi Arabia was represented by Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, and the UAE by Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, without any personal attendance from either leader. Sources and analysts linked this absence to Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s desire not to grant Egypt the exclusive leadership role in the Gaza file and the reconstruction phase, reflecting Arab divisions over who should lead peace in the region.
According to reports such as the Middle East Eye and the Hebrew newspaper Maariv, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi express reservations about Egypt’s major mediation role. Saudi Arabia fears that the Hamas crisis will reflect on its new liberal orientation, and considers the UAE and Hamas a security threat, opposing its continuation even after a ceasefire. These countries are also trying to maintain their regional role and prevent Egypt from occupying the main platform that appeared at the summit.
In terms of their stance on Gaza and Hamas, Arabic sources say that Egypt views Hamas as a party that cannot be ignored politically and militarily, while Saudi Arabia and the UAE view it as a threat and are keen to dismantle it. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have not supported Hamas or its continued existence. Rather, they are focused on ensuring the movement’s failure, in line with their security and political interests in the region.
Gaza Peace Implementation and Political Tensions:
The fragile implementation of peace in Gaza is governed by a multi-phased plan, with immediate steps centering on an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the handover of Israeli deceased bodies by Hamas. While the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have received some deceased hostage remains, Hamas has claimed to have surrendered all accessible remains, though Israel says the opposite. The broader peace deal also envisioned the demilitarization of Gaza, transitional governance by Palestinian technocrats under international supervision, and the deployment of an international stabilization force. However, this progress is stalled, as full weapons surrendering by Hamas has not been achieved as of October 2025. Netanyahu has insisted the war cannot end until Hamas is disarmed and control of Gaza is relinquished.
Amidst the post-ceasefire instability, severe internal conflicts have erupted within the Gaza Strip. These clashes stem primarily from two issues: Hamas’s aggressive move to regain and consolidate control in areas from which Israel withdrew, and deep popular resentment. Hamas security forces faced resistance from local tribal armed groups, resulting in deadly clashes that heightened internal tensions. Additionally, Hamas is accused by Fatah and other Palestinian factions of prioritizing its own organizational and political interests over the humanitarian suffering and massive destruction endured by the Strip’s population. This growing dissatisfaction is compounded by Hamas’s security campaign against local tribes and groups accused of collaborating with Israel, which has involved conducting field security operations and reportedly carrying out public executions of Palestinian people.
This internal strife led to the death of Palestinian journalist and social media personality Saleh al-Jafrawi in October 2025. Al-Jafrawi was killed during armed clashes between Hamas’s security personnel and feuding families/armed local groups, specifically in the al-Sabra neighborhood of southern Gaza City. Reports suggest he was shot by a sniper while covering the incident, with his body reportedly lying unresponsive for hours before being recovered by residents.
The political situation is further complicated by Israeli domestic issues. Netanyahu faces multiple corruption trials involving charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, specifically for allegedly accepting expensive gifts and favors (such as cigars and champagne) from businessmen like Arnon Milchan. In an unprecedented intervention into Israel’s judicial affairs, Trump publicly urged Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Netanyahu of the corruption charges. Trump emphasized the strategic partnership with Netanyahu and criticized countries recognizing a Palestinian state, aligning himself with Netanyahu’s hardline stance on the conflict.