Cairo [Egypt], October 7 (HBTV): Delegations from Hamas, Israel, and the United States are meeting in Egypt on Monday to begin indirect negotiations on US President Donald Trump's 20-point proposal to end the war in Gaza, Al Jazeera reported.
The talks are taking place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, ahead of the second anniversary of Hamas attacks on Israel that triggered the ongoing conflict, which has killed tens of thousands in Gaza. The discussions have raised cautious hopes for progress toward resolution.
Trump stated that both sides agreed to the peace framework and urged negotiators to 'move fast' to reach an agreement. 'These talks have been very successful, and proceeding rapidly. I am asking everyone to move fast ... time is of the essence, or massive bloodshed will follow,' he said. He added that the first phase should be completed this week and noted 'very positive discussions with Hamas' to release hostages, end the war, and achieve long-sought peace in the Middle East.
Negotiations will focus on releasing 48 Israeli captives held by Hamas, 20 of whom are believed to be alive, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Hamas has reportedly agreed to relinquish power in Gaza, while Israel has committed to withdrawing its forces from the enclave. However, several details remain unclear, including a timeline for Hamas's disarmament and the framework for a Palestinian state.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the release of captives could be announced this week, even as Israeli operations continue in Gaza, where seven people were killed Monday morning, including three civilians awaiting humanitarian aid.
Observers highlighted potential sticking points, such as Israel’s demand that all hostages be released within 72 hours and its insistence on retaining the right to target Hamas after withdrawal. Initial negotiations will involve Hamas representatives meeting mediators, with Israeli and US delegations joining later.
Trump has called for an immediate halt to Israel's bombardment to facilitate negotiations, but Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian said military operations will continue for 'defensive purposes,' and no ceasefire is in place.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined two phases of Trump's plan: first, the release of Israeli captives by Hamas, then Israel’s withdrawal to the 'yellow line' positions from August. The plan calls for Gaza’s demilitarisation and rules out any governing role for Hamas, though members may remain if they renounce violence and disarm.
Hamas expressed willingness to negotiate captives’ release and participate in a 'Palestinian national framework' for Gaza’s future. Within Israel, the plan has sparked opposition; National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned that allowing Hamas to remain would constitute a 'national defeat,' while opposition leader Yair Lapid pledged to support Netanyahu’s government to prevent collapse.
(ANI)