Cairo: Israeli and Hamas officials began indirect negotiations at Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday, focusing on a US-drafted peace plan aimed at ending the Gaza war as it nears its second anniversary. The talks, mediated by Egypt, occurred amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes and escalating civilian casualties.
The discussions revolved around US President Donald Trump’s proposed Gaza plan, which calls for Hamas disarmament and new governance arrangements for Gaza. Trump stated the deal could become a foundation for broader Middle East peace. Despite his call for Israel to halt bombardments, Israeli forces continued airstrikes, killing at least 19 people in the last 24 hours, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Egyptian officials reported the first round of talks concluded late Monday and will resume Tuesday. Both sides reportedly agreed on initial terms, including a ceasefire and a hostage release. The Israeli delegation is led by negotiator Ron Dermer and adviser Ophir Falk, while Hamas is represented by Khalil al-Hayyah. US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to join.
Hamas confirmed that the first phase will focus on partial Israeli withdrawal and a hostage-prisoner exchange. Under Trump’s plan, the remaining 48 hostages, around 20 of whom are alive, would be released within three days, followed by Hamas disarmament.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi praised the US mediation as part of a “strategic framework for regional stability.” Meanwhile, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports 67,160 Palestinian deaths and nearly 170,000 wounded since October 7, 2023, with women and children comprising over half. Families continue to live under tents with limited food, water, and healthcare.
The Vatican condemned both sides, urging proportionality in conflict, while families of Israeli hostages called for Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize. As negotiations continue, Gaza civilians endure relentless hardship amid hopes for a ceasefire.
