United States President Donald Trump complimented Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday (13). The remark was made during the signing of a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, mediated by nations such as Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. World leaders gathered at the event discussed next steps to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas, ongoing for over two years.
While speaking at the podium, Trump turned to Meloni and said, “You won’t be offended if I say you’re beautiful, will you? Because you are.” He added that in the U.S., such a compliment could end a political career, but he took the risk. The statement drew varied reactions among attendees, while the main focus remained on formalizing the document.
The summit brought together over 20 heads of state and government to formalize the first phase of Trump’s proposed peace plan. The event took place hours after Hamas released the remaining 20 Israeli hostages, in exchange for Israel freeing about 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.
Key aspects of the agreement include:
- Partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, reducing occupation from 75% to 53% of the territory.
- Start of reconstruction in affected areas, with financial commitments from international mediators.
- Preparation for negotiations on Gaza’s governance transition.
Signing marks truce progress
The document was signed by Trump, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. These countries facilitated talks between Israel and Hamas, who did not send direct representatives to the event.
The signing sealed the ceasefire started the previous Friday, following indirect negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh. Trump emphasized that the agreement achieved what many deemed impossible, focusing on Gaza’s reconstruction.
European leaders present endorsed the plan. The summit also addressed increased humanitarian aid, set to expand in the coming days.
Moments from Trump’s speech
During his address, Trump stressed global unity in the process. He mentioned prior talks with Netanyahu, who declined the invitation due to a Jewish holiday.
Trump described the plan as comprehensive, with rules for subsequent phases. The remark to Meloni came at the speech’s end, in a light tone.
Other leaders, like British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stood alongside Trump and Meloni. The interaction highlighted a mix of formality and informality.
Reactions from European leaders
Giorgia Meloni responded to the compliment with deference, keeping focus on the negotiations. She praised Trump’s plan as a step toward Middle East stability.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez endorsed the document. Macron stressed the need for financial commitments to reconstruction.
Starmer reiterated British support for the truce and aid delivery. European presence strengthened international consensus.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also signed, emphasizing regional cooperation.
Details of hostage release
Hamas published the names of the 20 released hostages, all living Israelis. They were transferred via the Red Cross to Israel.
Israel confirmed the hostages’ arrival, including families separated for two years. The operation occurred without incidents at Gaza’s border.
In return, 250 Palestinian prisoners sentenced to life were freed. Another 1,700, detained after the October 7, 2023 attack, were sent to Gaza or the West Bank.
Israeli Defense Forces instructed troops for contingency scenarios.
Pending phases of the plan
The agreement outlines 20 points, with the first phase already in effect. Details on Hamas’s demilitarization remain under discussion.
Gaza’s governance transition includes a proposed international oversight, rejected by the group. Negotiations for subsequent phases start next week.
Trump stated the plan paves the way for lasting peace. Mediators will monitor daily compliance.
Arab nations pledged billions for reconstruction. The UN will send observers to verify the truce.
Background of the conflict and numbers
The October 7, 2023 Hamas attack resulted in 251 abductions. Many were freed through prior agreements.
Israel reports 28 hostages dead, with two cases pending. The war caused thousands of casualties on both sides.
Reduced military occupation allows displaced people to return to 47% of Gaza. Humanitarian aid has increased since January 2025.
U.S.-Italy bilateral meeting
Trump and Meloni discussed energy and migration cooperation. Italy committed to donations for Gaza.
The talks occurred on the summit’s sidelines, focusing on Atlantic partnerships. Meloni called the plan ambitious.
Other bilaterals involved Erdogan and al-Sisi on border issues. The agenda included meetings with Abbas of the Palestinian Authority.
Reconstruction preparations
Technical teams outlined a timeline for Gaza’s reconstruction. Funding will come from Qatar and Europe.
Israel halted airstrikes, maintaining a defensive stance. Hamas indicated adherence to initial conditions.
The summit ended with an official photo of leaders. Trump plans a U.S. statement on the event.
