A formal signing ceremony marking the long-awaited ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas was held on Monday in the Egyptian city of Sharm El Sheikh.

The historic event took place during the “Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit,” co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and U.S. President Donald Trump, with the participation of leaders and representatives from over 20 countries, along with senior officials from regional and international organizations.

The ceasefire deal, which officially came into effect last Friday, follows one of the bloodiest and most destructive wars in modern Middle Eastern history. Over the course of Israel’s assault, tens of thousands of Palestinians were martyred or wounded, while entire neighborhoods in Gaza were reduced to rubble. The enclave also suffered an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, with famine, disease, and displacement affecting nearly every family.

According to sources close to the talks, the agreement includes provisions for a complete cessation of Israeli military operations, a gradual withdrawal of occupation forces, and unrestricted entry of humanitarian and reconstruction aid into the Gaza Strip. The deal also outlines steps toward the exchange of captives and prisoners, one of the key demands of the Palestinian resistance.

Palestinian factions have hailed the ceasefire as a “victory of steadfastness and faith”, emphasizing that Israel was forced to accept the terms due to its military failures and international isolation. The resistance leadership described the agreement as a turning point in the struggle for liberation, asserting that the people of Gaza, despite immense suffering, “have proven that they cannot be broken or starved into submission.”

Observers say the Sharm El Sheikh ceremony represents a crucial moment for the region, not only marking the end of Israel’s two-year war but also setting the stage for renewed dialogue on a comprehensive political solution based on Palestinian sovereignty and statehood.

Egyptian officials underscored the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and launching immediate reconstruction efforts. “Gaza’s suffering must end, and the people must be given the chance to rebuild their lives,” an Egyptian diplomat said on the sidelines of the summit.

While regional and global leaders welcomed the ceasefire as a step toward stability, many warned that lasting peace will remain elusive without addressing the root causes of the conflict — the continued occupation, blockade, and denial of Palestinian rights.

For millions across the Muslim world, Monday’s signing ceremony was seen not merely as the conclusion of a war, but as a testament to the resilience of Gaza’s people and the justice of their cause — a cause that continues to inspire solidarity from Istanbul to Jakarta. (ILKHA)