US President Signs Gaza Declaration to Cement Ceasefire

On 13th October 2025, US President hailed a “tremendous day for the Middle East” as he and regional leaders signed the Gaza Declaration in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh, marking a major step towards solidifying a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Key Points

Ceasefire Agreement: The declaration follows the exchange of hostages and prisoners — Hamas freed the last 20 surviving hostages held in Gaza for two years, while Israel released 1,968 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 security detainees.
End of Hostilities: The US President declared the signing as “a tremendous day for the world,” expressing confidence that “the agreement will hold.”
Next Steps in the Peace Plan: The US President described the current stage as “phase two” of his 20-point Gaza peace plan announced in September, aimed at reconstruction and long-term stability.
Regional Diplomacy: Egyptian President, who co-hosted the summit, was praised by the US President as “instrumental” in brokering the deal.
Remaining Challenges: Despite the agreement, concerns persist over Israel’s next moves and Hamas’s future stance.