'Gaza Peace Summit' in Egypt concludes: 'We have left the hardest part behind'

The "Peace Summit" held in the Egyptian city of Sharm el-Sheikh, co-chaired by US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, to maintain the ceasefire in Gaza and promote peace, has concluded. Speaking at the press conference held as part of the summit, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi thanked the US, Turkey, and Qatar for their roles in ending the war in Gaza, stating, "I would like to once again reaffirm Egypt's support and determination for the implementation of this plan, which creates a political horizon for the realization of a two-state solution."

Expressing his hope that the Gaza War would be the last war in the Middle East, Sisi said that the Palestinian people deserve to have a state. Sisi stated, "The Palestinian people also have the right to self-determination, to be free, and to live in an independent state that exists in peace, security, and mutual recognition with Israel."

INVITATION TO PEACE

Calling on the Israeli people to turn this historic moment into a new beginning for peace and coexistence, Sisi said, "Let us look together toward a better future for all the sons and daughters of our region. Let us reach out to one another for the sake of a just and lasting peace for all peoples in the Middle East."

Calling for the shared realization of the joy experienced in the streets of Gaza, in Israel, and across the world, achieved through the initiative of US President Trump, Sisi said, "This is further proof that the true choice of these peoples is peace. We also appreciate your interest in the resumption of education in Gaza. In the coming days, Egypt will work in coordination with the US and other partners to lay the foundations for the reconstruction of Gaza without delay."

Sisi stated that Egypt is also ready to host a conference for the reconstruction and development of Gaza within this framework. Stating that Egypt envisions a Middle East free from terrorism, extremism, and weapons of mass destruction, living in peace and security, Sisi noted that today's agreement paves the way for such a future, adding, "We have a unique and historic opportunity before us to build a Middle East free from all elements that threaten its stability and progress."

Sisi also announced that they have decided to award Trump the "Order of the Nile," Egypt's highest state honor, as a token of appreciation for his efforts.

"WE HAVE ACHIEVED PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST"

Taking the floor after Sisi, US President Donald Trump said, "Today is the day that people across the region and around the world have been working on, hoping for, and praying for for months. What has been done in the last month was truly unthinkable. No one thought this would be possible. But with the historic agreement we just signed, the prayers of millions have finally been answered. As you know, the hostages have returned. Unfortunately, some work regarding the remains is ongoing. But together, we have achieved something that everyone called impossible, and we have finally achieved peace in the Middle East."

"HUNDREDS OF TRUCKS ARE REACHING THE REGION"

Thanking the leaders present on stage for their support, Trump said, "After years of pain and bloodshed, the war in Gaza has ended. Humanitarian aid has begun to flow. Hundreds of trucks loaded with food, medical supplies, and other aid are reaching the region. A large portion of these is being financed by the countries present here. Civilians are returning to their homes, and hostages are reuniting with their families. I watched from backstage. I had never witnessed a moment so full of love and so full of sorrow at the same time."

"WE HAVE LEFT THE HARDEST PART BEHIND"

Stating that the reconstruction process of Gaza will now begin, Trump said, "I think this will perhaps be the easiest part. Because we have left the hardest part behind. The rest will proceed on its own."

Thanking Egyptian President Sisi for hosting them and for the Egyptian jets that escorted the presidential plane in Egyptian skies, Trump said, "It was a wonderful welcoming ceremony, it was very impressive."

Trump also expressed his gratitude to President Sisi for the Order of the Nile bestowed upon him in Egypt.

"ERDOĞAN HAS BEEN BY MY SIDE WHENEVER I NEEDED HIM"

Also thanking the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for his support for the ceasefire process and the peace plan, Trump said, "On this extraordinary occasion, I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Turkish President Erdoğan. He has always been by my side whenever I needed him. He is a tough man, as tough as they come, and we love him. Sometimes when there is an issue regarding him, they call me and say, 'Can you handle it?' And usually, I handle it. Because we have had a very good relationship from the very beginning. That is why I want to thank you very much, Mr. President. Please convey my greetings to your lovely wife as well. It is a great pleasure to be with you. You were there whenever I needed you, thank you very much."

"WE ARE CELEBRATING A NEW BEGINNING IN THE MIDDLE EAST"

Emphasizing that what they are celebrating this evening is not just the end of the war in Gaza, but a new beginning for the Middle East, Trump said, "From today on, we can build a strong, stable, prosperous, and united region. A region that rejects the path of terror forever."

Noting that the foundations of the agreement were laid during the UN General Assembly meetings in New York, Trump said, "I met with many people in that room there, and from that moment on, everything started to take shape."

"THEY HAVE NO EXCUSES LEFT"

Expressing his expectation that many more countries will join the Abraham Accords, Trump said, "Four great countries did this early on and stood behind it. Then, the Biden administration, the worst administration in history, came along, and like every other issue, they did nothing about this. But now, even today, many countries want to join this process."

Trump said, "Now it is time for everyone to join. We have no excuses left. There is no Gaza excuse, nor an Iran excuse. These were good excuses, but they are in the past now. Now all the momentum is toward a great, magnificent, and lasting peace. Our commitment to implementing the 20-point peace plan we developed together will form the foundation of this bright future."

Stating that they are currently in the third and fourth phases of the peace plan, Trump said, "This process will not simply proceed like a divided calendar. We can move ahead on some issues, we can take some out of order, of course in a positive way."

"FOR THE FIRST TIME, A CRISIS HAS UNITED PEOPLE"

Thanking all the leaders one by one at the end of his speech, Trump said, "The disarmament of Gaza and the establishment of an honest, civilian police force in the region are prerequisites for creating safe conditions for the people. I plan to be a partner in securing a better future. We will work, you will work, the US will work, and together we will ensure that the Middle East is a safe and stable place."

Emphasizing that the agreement will be one of the greatest in history, Trump said, "This is a moment where, for the first time, a crisis in the Middle East has not divided people, but on the contrary, has united them."

PAKISTANI PRIME MINISTER SHARIF NOMINATED TRUMP FOR THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE

Speaking at the press conference at Trump's invitation, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, "Today is one of the most magnificent days in modern history. Because we have achieved peace."

Describing US President Trump as "a man of peace" and thanking him for ending the conflict between India and Pakistan, Sharif said, "Today, I would like to nominate this great president for the Nobel Peace Prize once again. Because I sincerely believe that he is the most worthy candidate for the peace prize."

News Source: İHA