Indirect negotiations aimed at finalizing a U.S.-brokered peace plan to end the Gaza war are continuing today in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh. The talks, involving delegations from Israel, Hamas, Egypt, and Qatar, are focused on establishing the groundwork for a potential exchange — the release of all Israeli hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners.
Palestinian and Egyptian officials told the BBC that discussions are centered on “creating the field conditions” necessary for this first phase. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that he hoped to announce the release of hostages “in the coming days.”
As talks resumed on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House that he believed “a lasting deal” was within reach. “We have a really good chance of making a deal, and it’ll be a lasting one,” he said. Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff are among those attending, alongside Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
The second day of negotiations coincides with the second anniversary of the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which left about 1,200 dead and 251 taken hostage. Since Israel launched its retaliatory campaign, more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed — including 18,000 children — according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called Trump’s proposal “an opportunity that must be seized to bring this tragic conflict to an end.” UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also expressed support, saying his government “welcomes the U.S. initiative towards peace in the Middle East.”
The 20-point Trump plan, agreed with Netanyahu, calls for an immediate ceasefire and the release of 48 hostages — only 20 of whom are believed to be alive — in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees. It also promises full humanitarian aid access to Gaza once both sides agree to the deal.
The proposal excludes Hamas from future governance in Gaza but leaves the door open for a Palestinian state — a point Netanyahu later rejected, reaffirming his opposition to Palestinian statehood.
Hamas has partially agreed to the proposal, saying it would release “all Israeli prisoners, both living and dead” under the exchange terms if certain conditions are met. However, the group did not explicitly endorse the 20-point plan and avoided committing to disarmament — one of its key sticking points.
A Palestinian official described the initial round of talks as having ended “in a positive atmosphere,” with further sessions expected today. Despite ongoing Israeli bombardment in Gaza, international observers say these discussions could be the most consequential since the war began — and possibly the closest step yet toward peace.
