There are moments in history when the noise of war suddenly quiets, not because one side wins, but because humanity finally remembers what it has lost.
The peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh felt like one such moment. After years of bombardment, pain and unbearable loss in Gaza, the leaders of the United States, Egypt, Turkiye, and Qatar came together to sign a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif represented Pakistan at the summit and stood beside world leaders as they pledged to end the suffering of Palestinians. In his words, peace was not a political move but a moral duty.
Mr Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s unshakable support for the Palestinian cause and thanked those who worked to stop the bloodshed. As the world saw the signing of the agreement, it is expected that coming days will bring justice and humanity for Palestinians.
US President Donald Trump’s handshake with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas symbolised more than a photo moment. It showed that even after decades of division, dialogue is possible.
The ceasefire, built on a 20-point peace plan, may not erase years of grief, but it offers a path forward. It is a beginning rather than an end. It was also heartening to see unlikely nations such as Armenia and Azerbaijan sit together, sharing a rare moment of unity for the cause of peace in the Middle East.
The road ahead will not be easy given Israel’s history of love for bloodshed and breaking promises. Agreements can fade, and promises can break, but as Shehbaz Sharif said, “Our position is rooted in justice and humanity.” If the world can hold on to that principle, perhaps the guns will remain silent this time. Thanfully, we have entered a phase when the world must protect this fragile peace piece. *