Indirect talks aimed at finalizing a U.S.-backed peace plan to end the Gaza war are set to continue on Tuesday in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh. The negotiations involve delegations from Israel and Hamas, mediated by Egyptian and Qatari officials.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the progress, telling reporters at the White House, “We have a really good chance of making a deal, and it’ll be a lasting deal.” The talks are expected to focus first on securing the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas has partially agreed to the 20-point peace proposal but has yet to respond to key demands, including disarmament and exclusion from Gaza’s future governance. The proposed plan endorsed by Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls for an immediate ceasefire and the release of 48 hostages, in return for hundreds of detained Gazans. It also promises the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza once the deal is implemented.
While Netanyahu reaffirmed his opposition to a Palestinian state, Hamas stated it would hand over Gaza’s administration to a “Palestinian body of independents” under Arab and Islamic oversight. The group’s softer tone surprised many observers and has been interpreted as a sign of mounting external pressure.
The talks coincide with the second anniversary of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and led to the ongoing Israeli military campaign that Gaza’s health ministry says has claimed more than 67,000 lives.
World leaders, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, have welcomed Trump’s initiative, calling it a crucial opportunity for lasting peace. Trump has urged negotiators to “move fast,” saying he expects the first phase, including the hostage release, to be completed this week.
