Web desk: Indirect negotiations aimed at ending the war in Gaza have begun in Egypt, according to Egypt’s state-linked television channel, Al Qahera TV.
The negotiations, held in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm El Sheikh, are being mediated by Egypt.
The plan envisions a complete halt to fighting, the release of hostages, and the opening of humanitarian aid channels into Gaza, steps described by Washington as the closest the warring sides have come to a potential breakthrough.
The negotiations, held in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm El Sheikh, are focused on key sticking points, including Hamas’s demand for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and Israel’s insistence that Hamas disarm.
According to a Reuters report, both sides have reportedly agreed to the main framework of US President Donald Trump’s proposal, which outlines a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The plan, supported by several Arab and Western nations, has been described by Washington as the most promising step yet toward ending the conflict.
President Trump urged negotiators to act quickly, saying on social media, “I am told that the first phase should be completed this week, and I am asking everyone to MOVE FAST.”
However, both delegations are seeking clarity on crucial details that have derailed previous attempts at peace. Trump has also called on Israel to pause its airstrikes during the talks.
Residents in Gaza said that while Israeli attacks had eased, they had not fully stopped. According to Gaza health officials, 19 people were killed in the last 24 hours, significantly fewer than recent daily averages.
The talks coincide with the second anniversary of the Hamas assault on Israel that triggered the current war, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
A Palestinian source close to the talks warned that deep mistrust still runs between the two sides, and Hamas fears Israel might abandon the agreement once hostages are recovered.
Meanwhile, Israel deported dozens of foreign activists detained from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla last week, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
