Trump Signs Historic Gaza Peace Plan in Egypt Amid Renewed Hopes for Stability

US President Donald Trump Signs Gaza Peace Plan in Egypt SHARM EL-SHEIKH, EGYPT - In a highly anticipated move, US President Donald Trump signed a declaration for bringing peace to Gaza at a summit in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on Wednesday. The agreement marks a significant step towards resolving the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hamas. According to eyewitnesses, Trump praised regional leaders who helped cement the truce, saying "A new and beautiful day is rising and now the rebuilding begins." He added that he had done "big deals" in the region, implying a sense of accomplishment. Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi and more than 20 other leaders from around the world were present at the signing ceremony. The agreement includes the release of 250 Palestinian prisoners and over 1,700 other Palestinians detained during the two-year military operations in Gaza in exchange for the last 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The return of the bodies of 28 dead Israeli hostages is also part of the deal. In his address to the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, earlier on Wednesday, Trump described the agreement as a "golden age" for the Middle East, saying that "the long and painful nightmare is finally over." However, not everyone shares this optimism. Critics argue that the agreement does not address the root causes of the conflict and may only provide temporary relief. The Gaza peace plan has been in the works for months, with Trump's administration working closely with regional leaders to broker a deal. The plan aims to bring stability to the region and pave the way for economic development. While some see the agreement as a major breakthrough, others are skeptical about its long-term implications. "This is just a Band-Aid solution," said Dr. Amal al-Qasem, a Palestinian human rights activist. "The real issues remain unresolved, and we fear that this deal will only lead to more suffering for Palestinians." As the dust settles on the agreement, attention turns to its implementation and the next steps in the peace process. The US administration has pledged to provide significant financial support to Gaza, with Trump promising to invest billions of dollars in infrastructure development. The signing ceremony marked a rare moment of unity among regional leaders, who put aside their differences to support the agreement. However, as the ink dries on the declaration, questions remain about its sustainability and effectiveness in bringing lasting peace to the region. With the agreement now signed, attention shifts to the challenges that lie ahead. Will the deal hold, or will it falter under the weight of historical grievances and competing interests? Only time will tell. *Reporting by Bbc.*