Negotiators from Israel and Hamas have begun high-stakes indirect discussions in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh, aiming to secure a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange deal. The talks, which commenced on Monday, are being conducted through Egyptian and Qatari mediators who are shuttling between the separate delegations. According to Egyptian state-linked media, the sessions are focused on "creating the field conditions" and establishing a mechanism for the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
The negotiations represent the most significant effort in months to end the nearly two-year war and are centered on a 20-point peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump. The plan stipulates an immediate end to fighting and the release of 48 hostages held in Gaza, in return for hundreds of detained Gazans. A key humanitarian component of the agreement states that once both sides agree, "full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip," which is currently experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis.
While Hamas has agreed in principle to the proposals, it has not responded to several key demands, including its disarmament and future role in governing Gaza. In its official statement, the group renewed its agreement to "hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a body of independents (technocrats)" but made no mention of disarming. Hamas has described the part of the proposals dealing with Gaza's future and the rights of the Palestinian people as still being discussed "within a national framework," of which it stated it will be a part. A Palestinian source close to the leadership said the negotiations are expected to be "difficult and complex," citing the "occupation's intentions to continue its war of extermination".
The US peace initiative has garnered significant international and regional support. European and Middle Eastern leaders have welcomed the proposal, and Iran has also signaled its support for the plan. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi praised Trump's efforts, saying the initiative offers "the right path to lasting peace and stability". However, the talks face substantial hurdles. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his opposition to a Palestinian state, and on the ground, the Israeli military offensive continues. The discussions, taking place on the eve of the second anniversary of the October 7th operation, occur amid a devastating toll; Israeli military operations have killed over 67,000 Palestinians in Gaza since the war began.