As Israel Awaits Return OF Hostages And Gaza Holds Its Breath, India Lands In Egypt For Historic Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit | World News

Cairo (Egypt): Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh arrived in Cairo on Sunday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special representative to attend the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm el-Sheikh.

“He arrived in the historic city of Cairo as special representative of Prime Minister @narendramodi to attend the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm El Sheikh,” Singh wrote in a post on X. he said.

He arrived in the historical city of Cairo as the special representative of the Prime Minister @narendramodi About to attend the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. pic.twitter.com/DnN0yGJcEs— Kirti Vardhan Singh (@KVSinghMPGonda) 12 October 2025

The summit in Sharm el-Sheikh is an international effort to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Leaders of more than 20 countries will meet in Egypt on Monday to finalize an agreement aimed at restoring peace and stability.

According to the statement made by the Egyptian presidency, the meeting, officially named “Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit”, will be chaired by US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

The Egyptian presidency said, “The summit aims to end the war in the Gaza Strip, increase efforts to bring peace and stability to the Middle East, and move to a new phase in regional security and stability. This summit is taking place in light of US President Trump’s vision of achieving peace in the region and his relentless efforts to end conflicts around the world.”

According to Xinhua, the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas came into force on Friday after three days of intense negotiations in Sharm El Sheikh, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the United States.

The first phase of the plan includes the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza City, Rafah, Khan Younis and Northern Gaza, the opening of five crossing points for aid, and the release of hostages and prisoners.

A Hamas source said on Friday that the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt is expected to reopen mid-next week, allowing limited movement of people, but operational details have not yet been announced.

More than two years of Israeli military operations have devastated Gaza, killing more than 67,000 people and triggering famine, Gaza health authorities reported via Xinhua.

Thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square on Saturday as diplomatic efforts intensified. There was an emotional atmosphere of gratitude and solidarity as captive families waited to greet their loved ones.

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff described the night as a “powerful night” and thanked US President Donald Trump, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for their roles in achieving the ceasefire and hostage agreement.

“I’ve been dreaming of this night for a long time. This is the most powerful sight,” said Witkoff, estimating that more than 100,000 people had gathered.

“In this sacred place we call Hostages Square, the hearts gathered in Tel Aviv for peace, for unity, for hope beat together. I wish the President were here too.”

He praised Kushner and said: “This moment was made possible by the tireless dedication of leaders who will not rest until the world sees what can be accomplished. One of them stands right here with me, Jared Kushner.”

He also expressed a “deep debt of gratitude” to Trump, calling him “a man of indomitable spirit who is a humanitarian through and through, proving once again that bold leadership and moral clarity can reshape history and change the world.”

The crowd chanted “Thank you Trump” and booed when Netanyahu’s name was announced, The Times of Israel reported.

French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Egypt on Monday to show his support for the ceasefire agreement and to consult with partners on the next steps towards implementing the peace plan, CNN reported.

Macron’s visit comes as world leaders come together to end conflict and lay the foundations for long-term peace. US President Trump will host a summit in Egypt on Monday where the basic elements of the agreement will be finalized.

This visit and the summit mark a historical moment for the region. The presence of India’s special envoy Kirti Vardhan Singh signals New Delhi’s active participation in global peace efforts and its commitment to supporting initiatives that will bring stability to the Middle East.