A delegation of Hamas officials arrived in Egypt on Sunday for talks that U.S. officials hope will lead to a cessation of the Gaza war and the release of remaining hostages. With American diplomacy pushing for a rapid conclusion, the coming days are seen as pivotal. “We will know very quickly whether Hamas is serious or not,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, setting a tense backdrop for the negotiations.
Who is Involved in the Talks?
The talks, held in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, bring together a Hamas delegation led by the group’s exiled Gaza chief, Khalil Al-Hayya, with representatives from the U.S. and Qatar. This marks Hayya’s first visit to Egypt since surviving an Israeli strike last month. In an effort to settle the terms of a deal based on a 20-point plan pushed by U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli negotiators, led by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, were expected to join the talks on Monday.
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What is the Current Status of the Deal?
Hamas has already accepted parts of the Trump plan, including the framework for a hostage release, but has sidestepped more contentious demands like its own disarmament. President Trump has expressed optimism, stating that negotiations are “advancing rapidly” and urging all parties to “MOVE FAST.” He welcomed Hamas’s initial response, saying he believed the group was ready for a “lasting PEACE” and has called for Israel to stop its bombing immediately, though airstrikes have continued.
How is This Round of Talks Different?
This negotiation differs in that it aims to reach a comprehensive agreement all at once. An official briefed on the talks explained that mediators are consciously avoiding a phased approach, which had caused previous ceasefire efforts to break down. The goal is to agree on all elements—hostage release, prisoner exchange, and a lasting truce—before implementing any ceasefire, thereby preventing future stalemates.
What is the Situation on the Ground in Gaza?
Despite the flurry of diplomatic activity, there was no let-up in the violence on Sunday. Local health authorities reported that Israeli planes and tanks pounded areas across the enclave, killing at least 19 people. Displaced Palestinians expressed a sense of hopelessness, noting that the situation remains dire and unchanged despite the news of potential peace. “We do not see any change to the situation,” said Ahmed Assad, a displaced man in central Gaza.
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What are the Domestic Pressures in Israel?
Within Israel, the mood is mixed. Signs of optimism over the Trump plan were reflected in the shekel hitting a three-year high and Tel Aviv stocks reaching a record. Some citizens expressed hope for an end to the conflict. However, politically, Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu is caught between pressure from hostage families to end the war and threats from hardline coalition members who vow to collapse his government if the military campaign stops.
Disclaimer: This report is based on statements from officials and news agencies as detailed in the provided content.
