The eyes are on the anticipated summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, which has gained international importance, representing a turning point in the crisis path. The agreement is no longer a bilateral stop but has become under international and UN sponsorship. The Egyptian presidency stated that an international summit titled “Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit” will be held in Sharm El-Sheikh on Monday afternoon, co-chaired by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and U.S. President Donald Trump, with the participation of leaders from more than 20 countries aiming to end the war in the Gaza Strip.
Participants include Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Jordanian King Abdullah II, Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, European Council President Antonio Costa, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
International guarantees are in place, as former Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Al-Orabi noted. The Sharm El-Sheikh peace summit represents a guarantee for implementing any agreement reached and gives it an international and legal character that obliges all parties. Al-Orabi stated to “Sputnik” that the international community unanimously agrees on the importance of this agreement and the necessity of stopping the bloodshed in Gaza.
Such dense attendance of leaders means they are present to witness this agreement and ensure its precise implementation in the future. The presence of the UN Secretary-General enhances the international and legal status of the agreement. This international presence elevates the project from being merely a bilateral agreement to one with international sponsorship, placing pressure on Israel to comply, especially since recent days have shown that the United States is the most influential on Israel’s decision.
Egypt had the lead in determining the parameters of the agreement currently being implemented, having identified six main points about two years ago. These formed the basis for President Trump’s 21 points, the most important of which were stopping displacement, allowing aid, and ceasing fire, which have already begun to be implemented.
Strategic Dimensions
Egyptian security expert Brigadier General Khaled Okasha stated that the exceptional summit hosted by Sharm El-Sheikh, with the presence of around 20 world leaders, holds major strategic importance for Egypt. Okasha mentioned to “Sputnik” that the strategic dimensions Egypt is betting on, and why it insisted that this matter not be bilateral between the parties in conflict but must be supported and sponsored internationally, is to be a true “peace agreement.”
This international presence gives the agreement more momentum and places pressure on the Israeli side, which has a history of reneging on its commitments in previous negotiations and mediations. The presence of leaders from countries that have recently recognized the Palestinian state strengthens the notion that this is a step related to the two-state solution, which the entire Arab side is betting on.
Lebanese researcher and academic Dr. Ayman Omar stated that the presence of about 20 world leaders at the Sharm El-Sheikh peace summit reflects a significant shift in the international community’s view of the Palestinian issue, which is no longer just a regional issue but a global crisis that could threaten regional and consequently international security and stability.
The high level of political representation reflects international concern over the continuation of the war and the absence of a real political horizon, bringing the Palestinian issue back to the forefront after years of being overshadowed by other files. Omar noted to “Sputnik” that the remarkable aspect of this summit is not just the number of leaders but the level of political representation, which reflects the international concern over the ongoing state of war without a horizon.
Politically, this presence confirms that major powers can no longer ignore the conflict, whether due to internal pressures or geopolitical shifts that connect them. For the first time, Iran finds itself outside the equation of influence and active countries in this issue, as it has been neutralized.
The Strategic Importance of World Leaders Attending the Peace Agreement
According to the Lebanese academic, the importance lies in the fact that the meeting of major world leaders around this crisis grants it new political weight, moving it from the circle of neglect or superficial treatment. The international community is now aware that leaving matters without intervention poses a real threat to regional and global stability, particularly with the repercussions of tensions on energy, economic crises, and waves of refugees.
The presence of major leaders grants the agreement broad political legitimacy and turns the issue into an international priority, making the participation of the international community part of crafting solutions, not just sponsoring them. It has become a matter in which the international community and influential regional countries, primarily Egypt and Turkey, and behind them Saudi Arabia, participate, putting it within their political priorities, which represents a significant opportunity to build on for real progress after long years of stagnation and evasion.
Does this create pressure for international commitment?
The Lebanese academic states, “The weighty international presence generates political embarrassment for any party attempting to evade the agreement. Global media coverage creates public pressure on governments to adhere to what they pledged before the cameras. Any agreement supported by a broad international group is difficult to bypass or ignore. These countries now find themselves required to prove their credibility, not just through words but through political action. Their presence at the summit table makes them partners – even indirectly – in what may be reached. Therefore, their responsibility does not end with the summit’s conclusion; it continues in the form of political or economic commitments or even pressures they exert on the parties in conflict.”
Omar suggests that the presence of major world leaders carries important symbolism, but real guarantees depend on clear follow-up mechanisms that translate commitments into actual measures. The absence of these mechanisms turns the agreement into mere words on paper. The participation of major international powers allows for setting up implementation and monitoring mechanisms, and possibly economic and humanitarian support, enhancing the chances of successful implementation on the ground.
Despite this, the presence of influential leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump creates diplomatic and political pressure, making it difficult for parties to ignore the clauses without cost. This presence forms an international shield protecting the agreement from being ignored, which could later translate into monitoring committees or political and economic interventions that stimulate implementation or impose sanctions on obstructers.
Starting Point
He continued, “The current plan represents an important starting point but is not the end of the road. Establishing a Palestinian state requires genuine political will and moving beyond slogans to tangible implementation on the ground. The establishment of the state is not the result of one summit, especially of this kind, but a long path requiring a change in the balance of power and real international support. The plan must be accompanied by legal and political steps like international recognition, supporting Palestinian institutions, and halting settlements that threaten the state’s foundation. The road to the state requires continuous commitment and transforming words into reality supported by real international action.”
