(Reuters) -Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not attend Monday's summit on ending the Gaza war in Egypt, his office said, after Cairo had earlier announced he would take part, a prospect that could have been awkward for some confirmed guests.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has departed Berlin for Egypt to attend the signing of the Gaza peace deal along with more than a dozen global leaders. Germany has pledged to support the implementation of the US-backed peace plan between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas,

President Trump is in Egypt for the Mideast peace summit to discuss what's next for Gaza. Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Joel Rubin and former NATO Supreme Allied Commander retired General Wesley Clark join Erielle Reshef to provide their analysis and insight on the region.

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will stay closed through Wednesday and the flow of aid into the Palestinian enclave will be reduced, three Israeli officials said on Tuesday. The decision came after Palestinian militant group Hamas did not hand over bodies of hostages it is holding as part of the new U.

US President Donald Trump praised Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for his key role in mediating with Hamas, as both leaders opened the Gaza peace summit attended by over two dozen world leaders in Sharm El-Sheikh.

The crash was in Sharm el Sheikh, where indirect talks between Israel and Hamas led to a breakthrough deal. The city will also host a summit on Monday.

The invitation to Modi had raised expectations of a visit by the Prime Minister to Egypt, where he could have met President Trump, but Delhi appears to be cautious at this stage.

The first phase of Trump's deal also involves the start of the release of the deceased hostages. In exchange, Israel is expected to release around 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees from Gaza. Increased amounts of aid will also enter the Strip.