Israel and Hamas began indirect negotiations in Egypt on Monday over U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to end the Gaza war, focusing on issues like Israel’s withdrawal and Hamas’s potential disarmament. Both sides have agreed in principle to Trump’s plan, which seeks to halt fighting, free hostages, and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The initiative, supported by the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and several Arab and Western nations, is seen as the closest step toward ending the two-year conflict that has devastated Gaza and strained Israel’s international standing.
Trump expressed optimism from the White House, stating, “We have a really good chance of making a deal.” However, negotiators from both sides continue to debate critical details that have previously derailed peace efforts. Though Israel scaled back its bombardment during talks, Gaza officials reported 19 new deaths from airstrikes, underscoring the fragile state of the ceasefire.
The talks, held in Sharm El Sheikh with mediators from Egypt, the U.S., and Qatar, are set to resume Tuesday. Hamas has emphasized conditions for hostages’ release, Israel’s complete withdrawal, and a permanent ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israel insists on retaining a “yellow line” buffer zone inside Gaza and linking further withdrawals to Hamas’s compliance with disarmament terms.
The Israeli delegation includes Mossad and Shin Bet representatives, while Hamas is led by Khalil Al-Hayya. The U.S. team includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The United Nations has urged all parties to seize this “opportunity to bring this tragic conflict to an end.”
As the war’s second anniversary approaches, over 67,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis have died, with millions displaced. For Gazans, the negotiations represent their last hope for survival and peace.