Three Qatari diplomats tragically lost their lives in a car accident on Saturday, October 11, 2025, while en route to the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. The incident occurred approximately 50 kilometres from their destination, resulting in injuries to two other diplomats who were travelling with them. The diplomats were part of the Qatari protocol team and were heading to Sharm el-Sheikh for a significant summit aimed at celebrating a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Health officials, who requested anonymity, confirmed the details of the crash. Qatar has played a crucial role in mediating the ceasefire alongside Egypt and the United States, with Turkiye also participating in the negotiations earlier this month. The summit, scheduled for Monday, will be co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and U.S. President Donald Trump. It is expected to draw participation from over two dozen world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

The summit aims to solidify the ceasefire agreement and discuss broader peace initiatives in the Middle East. The Egyptian presidency has stated that the meeting will focus on ending the conflict in Gaza and enhancing regional stability. However, a senior Hamas source indicated that the group would not attend the formal signing of the peace agreement due to disagreements with certain aspects of Trump's proposal. The first phase of the peace plan, which includes a truce and the release of prisoners, was initiated on Friday, October 10, 2025. The second phase aims to disarm Hamas and establish a new governance system in Gaza.