Trump Says Gaza Talks Phase 2 Underway, Praises Egypt Role in Ceasefire/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump has arrived in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh to preside over the next stage of Gaza peace negotiations. Dubbed the “City of Peace,” the city has a rich diplomatic history, now hosting world leaders for a major summit on Gaza’s future. Trump confirmed that phase two of talks between Israel, Hamas, and the U.S. is officially underway.
Gaza Peace Negotiations: Quick Looks
- Trump arrives in Sharm el-Sheikh to lead Gaza peace summit
- Announces phase two of ceasefire negotiations is underway
- Sharm el-Sheikh historically known as “City of Peace”
- Over 20 world leaders present for Gaza deal talks
- Site has hosted Israeli-Palestinian summits since the 1990s
- Peace Road and Peace Square symbolize city’s diplomatic roots
- Trump to preside over ceremonial signing of Gaza agreement
- Air Force One escorted by Egyptian fighter jets
- Ceasefire talks previously held between Israel, Hamas, and U.S.
- Summit signals high-level commitment to postwar Gaza plan
Trump Says Phase 2 of Gaza Talks Underway, Praises Egypt Role in Ceasefire
Deep Look
SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt — President Donald Trump confirmed Monday that phase two of negotiations over Gaza’s future is officially underway, as he arrived in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh to lead a high-level peace summit.
Trump landed in the city, long regarded as the “City of Peace”, to oversee a deal signing ceremony and continue U.S.-brokered efforts to solidify a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after two years of war. His arrival was marked by a display of Egyptian military support, with Air Force One escorted by Egyptian fighter jets as it descended over the Red Sea.
More than 20 global leaders are attending the summit, which is focused on stabilizing Gaza, facilitating humanitarian aid, and determining the strip’s postwar governance. Trump’s visit comes after a recent trip to Israel, where he was celebrated for his role in the initial ceasefire agreement.
“Enough with war, welcome to peace:” Egypt’s President Sisi says in post welcoming Trump to his country
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has welcomed US President Donald Trump to his country.
In a post on Facebook shortly after the US leader arrived in Egypt:
Sisi said that, at the upcoming peace summit held in Sharm El Sheikh, the “populations’ will is tied with the world leaders’ determination to ending the war in Gaza.”
“They all carry a single message to mankind: Enough with war … welcome to peace,” he said.
Why Sharm el-Sheikh Matters
Nestled in the southern Sinai Peninsula, Sharm el-Sheikh has earned its place in international diplomacy thanks to a long history of hosting peace talks, especially involving Israeli and Palestinian leaders.
Often associated with sunshine, coral reefs, and tourism, the city also holds symbolic weight in the peace process. Under former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Sharm became a go-to location for sensitive negotiations and regional summits.
- Peace Road and Peace Square, both central parts of the city’s infrastructure, underscore its diplomatic reputation.
- In 1996, former U.S. President Bill Clinton co-chaired the Peacemakers Summit here, drawing Israeli and Palestinian leadership.
- In 1999, Ehud Barak and Yasser Arafat met here, continuing efforts toward two-state dialogue.
- In 2005, a pivotal summit declared the end of the Second Palestinian Intifada, hosted by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
The city’s geopolitical significance is further underscored by its history in the Six-Day War of 1967. Israel occupied the Sinai Peninsula, including Sharm, but returned it to Egypt in 1982 under the landmark Egypt-Israel peace agreement.
Phase Two of Gaza Deal: What It Means
Trump’s announcement that phase two of the Gaza ceasefire negotiations is underway signals a crucial transition from military de-escalation to political coordination. While the initial ceasefire halted open conflict and enabled hostage exchanges and humanitarian access, the second phase is expected to focus on:
- Frameworks for postwar governance in Gaza
- Logistics for long-term aid and reconstruction efforts
- Mechanisms to prevent the reemergence of violence
- Ensuring Hamas disarmament as demanded by Israel
U.S., Israeli, and Hamas representatives met last week in Sharm el-Sheikh to finalize the initial agreement. Trump’s presence now marks a formal continuation of talks — this time with broader international involvement.
Global Leaders Align for Gaza Peace
Trump is joined in Egypt by world leaders from over 20 nations, signaling broad international buy-in for the U.S.-led peace initiative. Though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was invited, he declined the invitation due to a scheduling conflict with the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.
Trump, undeterred, has continued to position himself as the chief architect of the ceasefire and future peace framework. His administration credits the progress to America’s support of Israel’s campaign against Iranian-backed militias, as well as diplomatic outreach to Arab and Muslim-majority nations.
“The war is over,” Trump said earlier this week. “People are tired of it.”
He maintains that public exhaustion with prolonged conflict provides a unique opportunity for long-term reconciliation.
What Comes Next for Gaza?
Though the summit represents a milestone, the road ahead remains difficult. Gaza’s infrastructure has been devastated by conflict, with over 2 million people facing dire humanitarian conditions. Under the ceasefire:
- Five border crossings will be reopened to allow aid deliveries
- The U.S. will deploy 200 troops to help monitor compliance
- International NGOs and private sector partners will help with reconstruction
Despite progress, major questions remain. Hamas has not agreed to disarm, and there’s no consensus yet on who will govern Gaza after Israeli forces pull back. Both sides have warned that if negotiations stall, the fragile truce could collapse.
Still, Trump’s involvement — and the symbolic location of the summit — has revived hopes for diplomatic resolution.
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