Three Qatari Diplomats Killed in Car Crash Near Sharm El Sheikh Ahead of Gaza Peace Summit

Accident occurs a day before global summit to finalize Israel-Hamas agreement

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt – October 12, 2025 — Three Qatari diplomats died and two others were injured in a car accident near Egypt’s Red Sea resort city of Sharm El Sheikh, security sources told Reuters on Sunday. The vehicle reportedly overturned on a curve roughly 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the city, though further details about the crash are still under investigation.

The timing of the incident is particularly sensitive, coming one day before Sharm El Sheikh is set to host a global summit aimed at finalizing a comprehensive agreement to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

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Qatar’s Role in Gaza Negotiations

It remains unclear whether the diplomats were part of Qatar’s negotiating delegation, which, along with Egyptian officials, played a role in brokering the first phase of a US-backed Israel-Hamas agreement earlier this week. The initial agreement facilitated a ceasefire in Gaza, arrangements for the release of Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and set the stage for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory.

The upcoming summit, scheduled for Monday, will be co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and US President Donald Trump, and will bring together leaders from over 20 countries. The goal of the gathering is to strengthen regional peace, stability, and security in the Middle East, in alignment with President Trump’s ongoing diplomatic efforts.

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Hamas to Skip Signing Ceremony

Despite progress, Hamas has announced it will not attend the formal signing of the Gaza peace deal in Egypt. A senior Hamas leader, speaking to AFP, cited disagreements with key elements of Trump’s plan, including proposals for members to leave Gaza, which the group deemed “absurd.”

The first phase of the agreement went into effect on Friday at 12 noon local time (0900 GMT). The second phase envisions the establishment of a new governing structure in Gaza, a security force composed of Palestinian personnel alongside Arab and Islamic troops, and the disarmament of Hamas.