Israel, Hamas Prepare for Indirect Talks in Egypt Amid Ceasefire Hope
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Jerusalem — Cautious optimism for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict is emerging as Israel and Hamas prepare for indirect negotiations in Egypt. The discussions are set to take place at the Red Sea resort of Sharm al-Sheikh, with Israeli negotiators traveling there to engage in talks.
The negotiations will focus on a 20-point ceasefire plan proposed by former President Donald Trump, which aims to end the war that began following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Trump introduced the plan during a recent press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Hamas has indicated its willingness to agree to some aspects of the plan, including the release of all remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, the group has not committed to other elements of the proposal, particularly those concerning disarmament and its future political role.
Displaced Palestinian children search for items that could be used as fuel for cooking in a pile of burning garbage at the Bureij camp for refugees in the central Gaza Strip, Oct. 6, 2025.
Trump has urged negotiators to expedite the talks, describing ongoing discussions as “very successful.” He emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that failure to act quickly could lead to further violence.
The Israeli Hostages Families Forum has expressed support for Trump, suggesting he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to facilitate a resolution. They highlighted the hope that his plan could bring an end to the ongoing conflict and secure the release of hostages.
Egypt’s foreign ministry stated that the initial focus of the talks will be on establishing humanitarian conditions for a potential prisoner exchange. This would involve the release of the remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for a significant number of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Despite the potential for a deal, Israeli military operations in Gaza have continued, albeit at a reduced scale. An Israeli spokesperson noted that while some bombing operations have ceased, no formal ceasefire is currently in effect.
