Israel-Hamas Indirect Talks Begin in Egypt Over Trump Peace Plan
Delegations from Israel and Hamas began their first day of indirect negotiations in Egypt on Monday, focusing on U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza. The talks aim for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and increased aid for Gaza, principles that have the backing of both sides as well as Arab and Western states.
President Trump, who has heavily invested in brokering an end to the nearly two-year conflict, expressed optimism, saying, “We have a really good chance of making a deal, and it’ll be a lasting deal.“
Key Issues and Sticking Points
While the overall framework has been endorsed, the talks are wrestling with contentious details that have historically stalled peace efforts:
Withdrawal and Disarmament: Hamas is pressing for a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive withdrawal of Israeli troops, but Israel’s initial focus is only on a partial pullback to create a strategic buffer zone (the “yellow line”). Israel is also demanding that Hamas disarm, a condition the Islamist group insists it won’t meet unless a Palestinian state is created.
Hostage Release: The initial focus of the talks is the release of hostages, a process that might take several days, especially for locating and recovering the remains of those who are deceased.
Status of Fighting and Negotiations
Mediation: The talks are being held at the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh with Egypt, the United States, and Qatar serving as intermediaries.
Israel’s Offensive: While President Trump urged Israel to halt its bombing, Gaza residents noted the offensive was only substantially scaled back, not entirely stopped. Gaza health authorities reported 19 people killed in Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours. Even as the talks adjourned for the day, explosions were still heard in Gaza City.
Continuation: The first session concluded late Monday, with talks scheduled to resume on Tuesday. Hamas used the session to outline its stance on the release of hostages and the conditions for Israel’s withdrawal.
The negotiations commenced on the eve of the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel that triggered the war. The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and left the majority of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents homeless. The UN Secretary-General called the Trump plan “an opportunity that must be seized” to end the conflict.
Click here for more on World
