World leaders convened on Monday in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh for an international Gaza summit, aiming to broker a definitive ceasefire agreement and the phased release of hostages in the Gaza Strip. The conference follows months of intensive diplomacy, with the United States, under President Donald Trump, playing a pivotal role in mediating between Israel and Hamas. Diplomatic sources reveal that a draft agreement is on the table, outlining a step-by-step ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, and humanitarian access to affected areas. Attendees include U.S. President Trump, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Israeli Prime Minister Yoav Gallant, representatives from Hamas mediated by Qatar and Turkey, and observers from the United Nations and the European Union. The talks focus on three key points: a lasting ceasefire binding both Israeli and Palestinian parties to halt military operations; the phased release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners under international monitoring; and a humanitarian reconstruction program led by Egypt, the UN, and the World Bank to rebuild Gaza’s infrastructure. Sources in Washington suggest the first group of hostages could be released as early as Monday evening, pending confirmation of security conditions by both sides. While the summit offers a potential breakthrough, skepticism remains regarding compliance with the agreement. Israel insists that any ceasefire depends on ‘complete guarantees that Hamas retains no military capacity,’ while Hamas demands ‘an end to the blockade of Gaza.’ President Trump, departing for Egypt, expressed confidence in being ‘close to a historic agreement,’ calling it ‘a moment of hope after months of suffering.’ International observers describe the Sharm El-Sheikh meeting as ‘the most concrete chance for peace since the conflict erupted in 2023.’