President Donald Trump on Monday joined Middle Eastern heads of state in signing the Trump Declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity, a joint memorandum that implements the Trump Peace Agreement, formally ending more than two years of war in Gaza and setting out a framework for lasting regional cooperation.
At the same ceremony, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced his intention to nominate Trump for a second Nobel Peace Prize for what he called “saving millions of lives” through the Gaza ceasefire.
‘It took 3,000 years to get to this point — and it’s going to hold up’
During the signing in Egypt’s coastal resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, one participant remarked, “It took 3,000 years to get to this point — and it’s going to hold up.” The comment drew applause as Trump, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan affixed their signatures.
Inside the Declaration
The White House memorandum dated October 13 reads in part:
“We, the undersigned, welcome the truly historic commitment and implementation by all parties to the Trump Peace Agreement, ending more than two years of profound suffering and loss — opening a new chapter for the region defined by hope, security, and a shared vision for peace and prosperity.”
It commits the parties to “implement this agreement in a manner that ensures peace, security, stability, and opportunity for all peoples of the region, including both Palestinians and Israelis,” and to resolve disputes “through diplomatic engagement and negotiation rather than through force or protracted conflict.”
The declaration also recognizes the region’s “deep historical and spiritual significance … to Christianity, Islam, and Judaism” and vows to protect heritage sites and uphold dignity and equal opportunity for all.
It concludes simply: “We commit ourselves to a future of enduring peace.”
Hostages Freed Under Ceasefire
Hours before the signing, Trump confirmed that 20 Israeli hostages held by Hamas had been released under the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
“After two harrowing years in darkness and captivity, twenty courageous hostages are returning to the glorious embrace of their families,” he said. “Twenty-eight more precious loved ones are coming home … today the skies are calm, the guns are silent, the sirens are still, and the sun rises on a holy land that is finally at peace.”
Israeli officials said the 20 were the remaining known living captives from the 2023 Hamas attacks. Recovery efforts for the deceased continue.
Sharif Announces Second Nobel Nomination
Standing beside Trump after the signing, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the U.S. leader’s mediation efforts:
“Pakistan had nominated President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his outstanding, extraordinary contributions to first stop the war between India and Pakistan and then achieve a ceasefire, along with his very wonderful team,” Sharif said. “And today, again, I would like to nominate this great president … because he has brought not only peace in South Asia … and today, here in Sharm el-Sheikh, achieving peace in Gaza is saving millions of lives in the Middle East.”
He then added: “Mr. President, I would like to salute you for your exemplary, visionary leadership. I think you are the man this world needs most at this point in time. The world will always remember you as a man who did everything — who went out of his way to stop seven and, today, eight wars.”
The Nobel Committee has not confirmed receipt of any new nomination; Sharif’s remarks describe an intention rather than a formal submission.
Trump Responds with Humor
While introducing other world leaders, Trump referenced Norway’s recent decision to award the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan activist María Corina Machado.
“Oh, Norway — aye, yay, yay,” he said with a smile. “Norway. What happened, Norway? What happened?”
Regional and Global Impact
The Trump Declaration pledges to “dismantle extremism and radicalization in all its forms” and to advance “education, opportunity, and mutual respect as foundations for lasting peace.” Observers say a durable truce could stabilize energy markets and open reconstruction investment across the Middle East.