Efforts to end the Gaza war have entered a crucial phase as indirect negotiations on former US President Donald Trump’s peace plan began in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh. The talks, involving delegations from Israel and Hamas, are being mediated by Egyptian and Qatari officials, focusing on a possible exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas has partially accepted the US-backed 20-point proposal, agreeing in principle to the exchange and to handing Gaza’s administration to a neutral Palestinian technocratic body. However, it has not committed to disarmament or renouncing its role in Gaza’s future governance—key demands of the plan.
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The peace plan, jointly supported by Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, proposes a ceasefire, release of 48 hostages, and immediate humanitarian aid to Gaza. Yet, Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to a Palestinian state, while Hamas said it was still consulting on the political clauses.
Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani are attending the negotiations. Trump urged all parties to “move fast,” expressing hope that the first phase of the deal could conclude this week.
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Despite diplomatic momentum, Israeli bombardment continues in Gaza, where over 67,000 have died according to Hamas-run authorities. Observers say the Sharm El-Sheikh talks may determine whether peace is finally within reach after two years of relentless conflict.
