Sharm El-Sheikh at the Crossroads: Egypt Steps Forward, Netanyahu's Absence Raises Questions on Peace Prospects

International circles reacted to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cancellation of his participation in the Sharm El-Sheikh summit on peace regarding Gaza, following Egypt's official announcement of its presence and the start of consultations to cement the ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu's office stated: "President Donald Trump invited Netanyahu to attend the summit in Egypt, but the proximity of the event to Israeli religious holidays prevented his attendance, though he thanked President Trump for his efforts to expand the circle of peace from a position of strength."

Meanwhile, the Egyptian presidency asserted that the summit is a pivotal point for confirming the ceasefire in Gaza, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas participating. The announcement came after a phone call between President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and President Trump, during which Netanyahu's attendance was discussed before his unexpected apology.

Netanyahu's absence marks further complications in the Israeli-Palestinian file, raising new questions about the future of peace negotiations, especially as Cairo strives to strengthen its regional role in achieving stability. International hopes remain pinned on the outcome of this summit, which underscores the political and religious challenges confronting conflict resolution in the Middle East