President Donald Trump held a summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on October 7, 2023, to promote his 20-point peace plan for Gaza. While the event showcased a ceasefire-for-hostages deal that returned 20 Israeli hostages and allowed aid to flow into Gaza, the absence of critical leaders raised significant questions about the plan’s viability. Key figures such as Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, and leaders from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed bin Salman and Mohamed bin Zayed, respectively, were notably absent, which may hinder the prospect of lasting peace.
The summit saw Trump declare peace in the Middle East, a statement that was met with skepticism given the lack of participation from those who genuinely influence the region’s dynamics. Netanyahu chose to stay away, underscoring his belief that the ongoing conflict in Gaza is not resolved. Equally significant was the decision by both bin Salman and bin Zayed to send lower-level representatives, signaling dissatisfaction with the current state of the peace negotiations.
Despite the emotional scenes of families reunited after the hostage release, the absence of essential leaders highlighted a disconnect between Trump’s optimistic rhetoric and the reality on the ground. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas was present but did not share the stage with Trump, further emphasizing the absence of a Palestinian voice in discussions that directly impact their future.
Challenges to the Peace Process
The summit’s conclusion included a statement dubbed “The Trump Declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity.” However, the declaration lacked substantive details, instead filled with broad statements about dignity and peace. The absence of a concrete plan for engaging with Palestinian leadership raises doubts about the feasibility of moving forward. Reports from Israeli media suggest that Netanyahu was reluctant to appear with Abbas, given his position that the Palestinian Authority should not have a role in any peace talks.
The peace plan was adjusted following last-minute interventions from Israel, which may have further alienated key regional players. The revised version no longer includes a clear path for Palestinian statehood or a defined role for the Palestinian Authority in governance. Instead, it envisions a governance structure in Gaza led by technocrats under an international oversight body, raising questions about legitimacy and acceptance among the Palestinian population.
Without the active participation of the Saudi and Emirati leadership, both of whom have expressed reluctance to support a plan that does not account for the complexities of the Palestinian situation, the prospects for a durable peace remain dim. Both nations have previously indicated their opposition to the annexation of West Bank territories, which complicates their potential involvement in Trump’s proposal.
The Need for Inclusive Dialogue
The absence of key leaders at the summit sends a strong message that the current 20-point plan requires substantial revisions. The involvement of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Turkey is essential not only for financial support but also to facilitate negotiations that include a broader range of stakeholders. Without genuine engagement with Palestinian civil society, any proposed governance structure risks being viewed as imposed rather than collaborative.
The summit presented an opportunity for Trump to advance a vision for Gaza, but it ultimately highlighted the limitations of a peace strategy that relies on unilateral declarations. As the situation evolves, it is clear that meaningful progress will require a more inclusive approach that not only addresses the needs of all parties involved but also empowers Palestinian voices in the conversation.
While Trump achieved a significant milestone with the hostage release, the road ahead demands a deeper commitment to understanding and integrating the perspectives of all stakeholders. Without this, the dream of lasting peace in the region will remain just that—a dream.
