Israel-Hamas Indirect Talks Begin in Egypt to End Gaza Conflict

Israel and Hamas have launched indirect negotiations in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh aimed at ending the Gaza conflict, following support from former U.S. President Donald Trump for a peace plan. The talks focus on implementing the first phase of the Trump-backed initiative, including a ceasefire and the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

The ongoing war, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in massive casualties and widespread destruction. Hamas attacks on southern Israel killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251, while tens of thousands of Palestinians have died, and much of the Gaza Strip has been devastated.

The U.S. delegation is led by envoy Steve Witkoff and joined by Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law. Khalil al-Hayya heads Hamas’ team, and Israel’s delegation includes top negotiator Ron Dermer and foreign policy adviser Ophir Falk. The talks are expected to last only a few days, though locating hostages’ bodies may extend the timeline.

Under the proposed plan, all hostages held by Hamas would be released within 72 hours. In return, Israel would free 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 others detained since the war began. Israeli troops would withdraw from Gaza once Hamas disarms, while an international security force would oversee the territory.

An interim administration of Palestinian technocrats would manage daily affairs, with Hamas barred from governance. Military infrastructure, including tunnels, would be dismantled, and members pledging peaceful conduct would receive amnesty. Humanitarian aid would be allowed under international supervision.

Despite these measures, key issues remain unresolved. Hamas has not formally agreed to disarm, and the group opposes foreign administration of Gaza. The future governance and security arrangements in the territory, including the possibility of a security perimeter by Israel, are still unclear. The plan also outlines potential conditions for Palestinian self-determination and statehood, contingent upon reforms and development.

As the conflict reaches its two-year mark, international observers are closely monitoring the talks, hoping they may bring a lasting resolution to one of the region’s deadliest and most protracted wars.

Negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh are ongoing, with officials indicating that while immediate progress may be limited, establishing dialogue is a critical step toward ending the cycle of violence.