The British newspaper “The Independent” viewed the meeting of leaders from more than 20 countries in Sharm El-Sheikh, Sinai, to end the war in the Gaza Strip as a sign of the unique influence of US President Donald Trump and the extent of international support to end the war. It confirmed that the Sharm El-Sheikh summit could change the international dynamics and represents the best hope for a new, more comprehensive peace process in the Middle East.

The newspaper, in an editorial, stated that this event, held in the heart of the region rather than in Washington or the White House, places the peace process in its broader regional context and anchors it within the region itself, something that has not been achieved for many years.

“The Independent” added that the next phase of negotiations according to Trump’s plan, if it continues as hoped, will be more complex, including arrangements related to governance in Gaza without Hamas in power, considering that what happens in this phase will be a real test of all parties’ determination to succeed in the agreement.

The newspaper considered that the personal involvement of US President Donald Trump is the key to progress, as it was decisive in reaching the ceasefire agreement and the prisoner release deal, and that the Sharm El-Sheikh summit represents a historic moment that could open a new chapter in the Middle East peace process.

It pointed to the readiness of this large number of leaders to clear their schedules and come to Egypt at the same moment to show the momentum and international support to end the war, noting that describing the next 24 to 48 hours as critical for the future of the Middle East is an understatement.

It continued that with leaders from more than 20 countries – including the US president – preparing to gather at the Sharm El-Sheikh resort to sign the agreement according to Trump’s plan, the risks are as clear as the hopes, and although the path remains full of obstacles, the positives may outweigh the negatives for the first time.

The newspaper explained that Israeli occupation forces have returned to the agreed line according to the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, and residents of the Strip have begun returning to their homes despite the massive destruction. It noted that humanitarian aid has finally started flowing after a long delay, and the United Nations has resumed organizing relief convoys, putting an end to Israeli attempts to marginalize international relief organizations.

“The Independent” highlighted the atmosphere in Israel last night, where celebrations took place in marches welcoming Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff, thanking them for their efforts in reaching the agreement, while the general mood was closer to celebrating what the newspaper described as Trump’s “diplomatic victory.”

The US president is scheduled to meet with the families of hostages in Israel, then deliver a speech before the Knesset, before heading to Sharm El-Sheikh to chair the peace summit with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The event includes leaders from the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the United Nations alongside regional powers such as Qatar and Turkey.