Delegations from Israel and Hamas began indirect negotiations in Egypt on Monday over U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to end the two-year war in Gaza, tackling the most contentious issues that have long hindered a lasting peace, Israel’s withdrawal, Hamas’ disarmament, and the fate of hostages.
Both sides have publicly endorsed the broad outlines of Trump’s proposal, which envisions a ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and a large-scale influx of humanitarian aid into the devastated enclave.
The plan has been backed by Arab and Western governments, with Washington describing it as the most promising opportunity yet to halt the conflict that has killed tens of thousands and left much of Gaza in ruins.
“I really think we’re going to have a deal,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “We have a really good chance of making a deal, and it’ll be a lasting one.” He has urged both parties to act swiftly, portraying himself as the only world leader capable of achieving peace in Gaza.
The talks, held in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh, included mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. A Palestinian official said the opening session concluded late Monday, with discussions set to resume Tuesday.
Hamas presented its position on hostages, the timeline of Israel’s withdrawal, and guarantees for a permanent ceasefire.
Despite Trump’s call for restraint, Israeli strikes continued overnight, killing at least 19 people, according to Gaza health authorities, about one-third of the average daily toll in recent weeks.
The negotiations began on the eve of the second anniversary of Hamas’s October 7, 2023, assault on Israel, which killed 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign has since killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza, and deepened Israel’s diplomatic isolation.
An Israeli security source said the current phase of talks would focus on the hostages’ release, adding that Israel would initially withdraw to the so-called “yellow line,” a temporary buffer zone, with further pullbacks tied to Hamas’ compliance with the agreement.
The Israeli delegation includes senior officials from Mossad, Shin Bet, and the Foreign Ministry, while Hamas’s team is led by exiled Gaza leader Khalil Al-Hayya. The U.S. is represented by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s senior adviser and son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
A key sticking point remains Hamas’s refusal to disarm without the establishment of a Palestinian state. “The group will not hand over its weapons while occupation continues,” a Hamas official said.
Inside Gaza, civilians displaced by relentless bombardment said the talks were their final hope. “If there is a deal, then we survive. If there isn’t, it’s like we’ve been sentenced to death,” said 20-year-old Gharam Mohammad in central Gaza.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres urged both sides to seize what he called a “critical opportunity” to end the bloodshed.
“This plan presents an opportunity that must be seized to bring this tragic conflict to an end,” he said in a statement marking the war’s anniversary.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
