Delegations from Israel and Hamas have ended the first day of indirect negotiations in Egypt. The talks concluded on a positive note on Monday, bringing hope for a deal to end the two-year war. The negotiations centre on a 20-point plan proposed by US President Donald Trump. Negotiators are set to resume discussions on Tuesday.
Sources described the first day of talks as “positive“. A roadmap for the continuation of the talks was reportedly established. The discussions took place in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh. They covered a prisoner and captive exchange, a ceasefire, and humanitarian aid. The talks occurred on the eve of the second anniversary of the 7 October attacks.
US, Egyptian, and Qatari mediators are shuttling between the two delegations. The US is represented by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The Hamas delegation includes senior leaders Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin.
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Key sticking points remain
Despite the optimism, significant obstacles remain in the Gaza peace talks. The structure of the hostage release is a major point of contention. Hamas holds the remaining captives as its primary bargaining chip. It is unclear if they will be released before other deal elements are finalised. The US is pushing for an early exchange to build momentum.
Another challenge is the disarmament of Hamas. Israel insists on the group’s complete disarmament. Hamas has previously refused to lay down its arms. It links this to the establishment of a Palestinian state. The future governance of Gaza is also a major hurdle. Trump’s plan excludes Hamas from any future role. It proposes a transitional body of Palestinian technocrats that would eventually be handed over to the Palestinian Authority.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced opposition to PA involvement. Hardliners in his coalition also resist this. They favour retaining control of Gaza. The extent and timeline of an Israeli military withdrawal also require agreement. The current Gaza peace talks aim to navigate these complex issues.
President Trump has urged negotiators to “move fast”. He expressed confidence in reaching a lasting deal for Middle East peace. However, he also acknowledged having his own “red lines”. The negotiations are described as difficult and complex and could last for several days. Even as talks proceeded, Israeli strikes reportedly continued in Gaza. The Palestinian death toll since the war began has surpassed 67,000.
