Trump’s firm handshake with Macron steals the spotlight during Gaza ceasefire summit

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, EGYPT: During the Gaza ceasefire summit in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday, October 13, President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron stole the spotlight with a firm, extended handshake.

The moment stood out amid a series of greetings exchanged between various world leaders at the event.

The clip captured the two leaders pulling each other toward themselves in what appeared to be both a friendly and competitive gesture.

Trump and Macron share a firm handshake at the Gaza peace summit

The comparatively long greeting between Trump and Macron has captured the attention of many. 

At first, Trump yanked Macron closer as the cameras flashed, and soon after, Macron responded with what appeared to be equal firmness.

The two were seen maintaining the grip as aides looked on.

It looked like a subtle show of strength from both, and this isn't the only one. Similar events have marked several of their previous encounters.

During Macron’s visit to Washington in February, ahead of talks on the war between Russia and Ukraine, the pair shared another lengthy handshake that lasted around 15 seconds, accompanied by shoulder pats and smiles.

Trump’s marathon handshakes with world leaders 

At the Sharm el-Sheikh summit, Trump stood center stage behind a large 'PEACE 2025' banner. He greeted many world leaders before addressing everyone at the event. 

Trump shook hands with various leaders, like Egypt's Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif, the UK’s Keir Starmer, and Canada’s Mark Carney, among others, in a series of brief exchanges lasting over 20 minutes.

When Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni approached, Trump smiled and apparently said, “Who is this woman? Beautiful woman.”

To Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, he reportedly remarked, “He’s got plenty of oil, a lot of oil.”

Even FIFA President Gianni Infantino was among those to shake hands with the president.

Trump hails 'once-in-a-lifetime chance' to start anew

Trump’s whirlwind Middle East visit began in Israel, where he addressed the Knesset and called for unity after months of war.

At the ceasefire summit, he said, "Today, for the first time anyone can remember, we have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to put the old feuds and bitter hatreds behind us."

The president added, "If we do, together, we will reach the Middle East’s incredible destiny—a safe, and prosperous, and beautiful crossroads of culture and commerce, faith and humanity."