President Donald Trump and President Emmanuel Macron shook hands for nearly thirty seconds during a summit in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, as leaders pursued a new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Handshake in Sharm El Sheikh
During a gathering of more than twenty world leaders in Sharm El Sheikh, President Donald Trump and President Emmanuel Macron shook hands for almost thirty seconds, a moment reported by NEXTA. The handshake occurred while negotiators sought a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and discussed the future of the Gaza Strip.
Historical Precedents
Similar lengthy handshakes have taken place before. At a NATO summit in May 2017, the two presidents, both in dark suits, shook hands so intensely that their knuckles turned white. The same thirty‑second handshake was repeated on July 14 of this year when France celebrated Bastille Day. In contrast, a brief nine‑second welcome took place in December of the previous year.
Ceasefire Agreement Signed
On Monday, representatives from Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, alongside President Trump, signed a document establishing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Trump said the agreement took “3000 years” to reach and called it a turning point for the region, adding that millions of prayers had been heard and the world had been moving toward this day.
Trump’s Remarks
Trump highlighted the significance of the deal, stating, “This is the day that people in the region and worldwide have tried, pursued, hoped, and prayed for. In the last month, we have done things that seemed unimaginable. No one thought it would succeed.”
