International Summit on Gaza Conflict

An international summit will be chaired by US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The meeting is scheduled to take place in Sharm el-Sheikh on Mon, Oct 13, 2025, with leaders from over 20 countries expected to participate, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.

Objective of the Summit

The summit aims to discuss strategies to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip, promote peace and stability in the Middle East, and enhance regional security. Attendees confirmed include United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, Spain’s Pedro Sanchez, and French President Emmanuel Macron. It remains uncertain whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or representatives from the Hamas Palestinian group will attend.

Current Situation in Gaza

Following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, a significant number of Palestinians have returned to their homes in Gaza, which have been heavily damaged or destroyed. Israeli forces have partially withdrawn as part of a US-brokered agreement to end the conflict, which has resulted in significant casualties and destruction in the region.

Efforts to recover from the conflict are underway, with 5,000 public operations being executed by the Gaza Government Media Office. These include over 850 rescue and relief missions by the Gaza Civil Defence, police, and municipal teams focused on recovering bodies, clearing rubble, and securing affected areas. Approximately 150 bodies have been recovered since the ceasefire began, with additional efforts focused on restoring essential services such as water and sewage lines.

Humanitarian Aid and Blockade

Humanitarian organizations have called for Israel to open more crossings to facilitate the delivery of aid to Gaza. The World Food Programme (WFP) has expressed readiness to restore 145 food distribution points, contingent on Israel permitting expanded deliveries. UNICEF plans to increase the supply of essential items such as high-energy food and hygiene supplies.

Israel’s blockade on Gaza continues to restrict the entry of necessary resources, including fuel and equipment, further complicating recovery efforts. The ongoing destruction has severely impacted emergency services, including ambulances and fire trucks.

Prisoner Exchange

As part of the ceasefire agreement, Israeli captives held in Gaza by Hamas and other groups are expected to be returned, along with the bodies of 28 others. In exchange, Israel will release approximately 250 Palestinians and around 1,700 individuals detained from Gaza over the past two years. The Israel Prison Service has begun preparations for the release process.

Past experiences have shown delays and harsh treatment of Palestinian prisoners before release, with reports of physical abuse and detention without charge. Families of Israeli captives have expressed gratitude towards US President Trump for facilitating the agreement, noting dissatisfaction with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s handling of the situation.