Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis held a brief meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of a global summit in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, focused on Gaza’s future. Trump was photographed with each leader attending the summit.
Before departing for Egypt, Mitsotakis called the summit a “historic day,” expressing optimism that it could lay the foundation for lasting peace in the Middle East. The summit follows Trump’s visit to Israel, where he celebrated a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Speaking alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, Trump said, “Everybody said it’s not possible to do. And it’s going to happen. And it is happening before your very eyes.”
The summit, attended by nearly three dozen countries from Europe and the Middle East, comes at a delicate moment of hope to end two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was invited but did not attend, citing proximity to a Jewish holiday.
Despite uncertainties about Gaza’s future, Trump is pushing for regional harmony. In prepared remarks for the summit, he said, “We have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to put the old feuds and bitter hatreds behind us, and to declare that our future will not be ruled by the fights of generations past.” During his earlier speech at the Knesset in Jerusalem, Trump declared, “You’ve won,” urging Palestinians to abandon “the path of terror and violence” and focus on rebuilding Gaza. He also extended a gesture of cooperation to Iran, despite earlier US strikes on its nuclear sites during its conflict with Israel.
Trump’s Middle East trip was delayed due to extended speeches at the Knesset, where he met families of hostages released as part of the ceasefire deal that began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas-led attack. Israeli lawmakers gave Trump multiple standing ovations, with some wearing red hats styled after his “Make America Great Again” caps, reading “Trump, The Peace President.” Netanyahu praised Trump as “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House” and committed to working together for peace. In a surprising move, Trump called for Netanyahu’s pardon on corruption charges, describing him as a great wartime leader.
The ceasefire’s first phase includes releasing remaining hostages held by Hamas, freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza, and a partial Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza’s main cities. Trump emphasized the war’s end, stating, “The war is over, OK?” He credited his administration’s support for Israel’s actions against Iranian proxies, including Hamas and Hezbollah, for enabling this opportunity. The White House noted growing momentum among Arab and Muslim states to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and strengthen ties with the US.
Trump previously envisioned Gaza as “the Riviera of the Middle East,” but acknowledged its current state as “a demolition site.” He expressed hope to visit Gaza in the future. Challenges remain, including unresolved issues of Gaza’s postwar governance, reconstruction, and Israel’s demand for Hamas to disarm. Israel has warned it may resume military operations if its demands are unmet.
Gaza’s infrastructure is heavily damaged, with its 2 million residents facing dire conditions, including famine in some areas. The ceasefire deal includes reopening five border crossings to improve aid delivery. Approximately 200 US troops will support and monitor the ceasefire alongside partner nations, NGOs, and private-sector groups. [Kathimerini, AP]
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