The October 13 hostage-prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas, momentous for bringing an end to the long-running hostilities, marks only the first step on a long road to stability and security in West Asia. That is why, immediately after his address to Israel’s Knesset, US President Donald Trump, at the forefront of the renewed push for peace, flew to Egypt to co-chair an international summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. The breadth of the global commitment to peace was evident in the presence of more than 20 world leaders, including the heads of state/government of France, Britain, Italy, Canada and Germany. The joint statement issued at the conclusion of the summit, signed by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the US, welcomed the progress achieved in Gaza and pledged “to work collectively to implement and sustain this legacy”. Although any reference to Palestinian statehood was conspicuously missing, it affirmed that a lasting peace would be one in which “both Palestinians and Israelis” have their “fundamental human rights protected, security guaranteed and dignity upheld”. Washington’s choice of words, which places Palestinians and Israelis on an equal footing, is a long-awaited recognition of Palestinian identity and dignity.
The joint statement envisions West Asia as a region “where all can pursue their aspirations in peace, security, and economic prosperity, regardless of race, faith, or ethnicity”. Coming from the Trump administration, this marks a dramatic reversal from earlier this year, when the US President floated plans to permanently relocate Gazans to other countries, and made controversial remarks about “taking over” Gaza to make it the “Riviera of the Middle East”. One of the most striking moments at Sharm el-Sheikh was the warm exchange between Trump and Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas, who only weeks earlier had been denied a US visa, which prevented him from attending the UNGA session during which multiple countries recognised Palestinian statehood. These developments must ultimately lead to the Palestinian people having a seat at the table.
There is a lot yet to be done. Although the first phase of the ceasefire agreement has been implemented, there is no clarity on when or where Phase 2 negotiations — aimed at the reconstruction of Gaza and lasting security for the region — will begin, despite Trump’s exuberant declaration at the summit that “Phase 2 has started”. The most pressing issue, which could undo much of the recent progress, remains Hamas and its weapons. If Hamas refuses to disarm, relinquish control of Gaza, and make way for a reformed PA as outlined in Trump’s 20-point plan, it would hand Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the justification he needs to resume military action (remember how he discarded the January ceasefire in March). Israel, for its part, will have to exercise diplomatic flexibility and resist the temptation to respond to the inevitable roadblocks with renewed aggression. And Trump, who has thus far demonstrated the political will to end the conflict, must not take his eyes off the larger goal articulated in the joint statement: “A future of enduring peace.” It is a rare opportunity, it must not be lost.
