SHARM EL-SHEIKH: Delegations from Israel and Hamas began indirect negotiations in Egypt on Monday, in talks the United States hopes will bring an end to the war in Gaza. The discussions, held at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, are centered around difficult issues — including demands for Israel’s withdrawal from the enclave and the disarmament of Hamas.
Both sides have reportedly endorsed the broad principles of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, which envisions a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the large-scale delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The proposal also has backing from key Arab and Western nations, making it the most significant attempt yet to end the months-long conflict.
Trump urged all sides to move quickly toward an agreement. “I am told that the first phase should be completed this week, and I am asking everyone to MOVE FAST,” he posted on social media.
However, negotiators on both sides are seeking clarification on key details — the same contentious issues that have undermined past efforts to end hostilities. Egyptian sources said Hamas is seeking firm assurances that Israel will withdraw its forces once the group releases hostages.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s health authorities reported 19 deaths from Israeli airstrikes in the past 24 hours — roughly a third of the daily toll seen in recent weeks — as Israeli troops continue their advance through Gaza City, leveling neighbourhoods in fierce ground battles.
“For us, a deal means survival. If there isn’t one, it feels like we’ve been sentenced to death,” said Gharam Mohammad, 20, a displaced Gaza resident sheltering with her family.
Officials involved in the talks warned that Trump’s reported demand for all hostages to be returned within 72 hours may be unrealistic, particularly in cases where remains need to be recovered from battlefield burial sites.
A Palestinian official close to the negotiations expressed skepticism about the chances of success, citing deep mistrust between the sides. “There is concern that Israel could walk away from the process once it retrieves the hostages,” the official said.
The Israeli delegation includes representatives from intelligence agencies Mossad and Shin Bet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s foreign policy adviser Ophir Falk, and hostages coordinator Gal Hirsch. The Hamas delegation is led by the group’s Gaza leader, Khalil al-Hayya, who survived an Israeli airstrike in Doha that killed his son earlier this year.
Despite cautious optimism from Washington and Cairo, diplomats acknowledge that the talks face an uphill path — balancing urgent humanitarian needs, fragile political trust, and the enduring volatility of a region scarred by decades of conflict.
