Urgent Gaza Peace Negotiations Underway in Cairo Amid Trump’s ‘Move Fast’ Demand

High-stakes negotiations aimed at securing a peace deal and releasing hostages in Gaza commenced Monday in Cairo, with former President Donald Trump urging negotiators to “move fast.” Hopes for a breakthrough are running high after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested a hostage release could be announced this week, coinciding with the two-year mark since the devastating Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

In a series of posts on Truth Social Sunday, Mr. Trump revealed “very positive discussions” with Hamas and various international countries, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE OR, MASSIVE BLOODSHED WILL FOLLOW – SOMETHING THAT NOBODY WANTS TO SEE!” he wrote, confirming that technical teams would meet Monday in Egypt to finalize details of the first phase, expected to conclude this week.

The talks involve a high-level Israeli delegation led by Ron Dermer, a Hamas delegation, and key U.S. representatives including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Discussions are primarily focused on the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, a critical component of the U.S.-led peace plan outlined by Mr. Trump last month. Under this proposal, Hamas would release the remaining 48 hostages, with approximately 20 believed to be alive, within 72 hours.

While Netanyahu expressed optimism about announcing a hostage release “in the coming days” and containing negotiations to a “few days’ time frame,” he reiterated Israel’s stance against a full withdrawal from Gaza, a key demand from Hamas. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the hostage release as the “most emergent and immediate phase” of the plan, with the long-term goal being a Gaza free of terrorism, a complex undertaking requiring significant time and effort. Rubio also acknowledged logistical hurdles, including ongoing Israeli bombardments, which make hostage release challenging.

The conflict, now spanning two years, has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure, leaving residents struggling for basic necessities. International pressure for a ceasefire is mounting, with Muslim-majority countries issuing a joint statement supporting peace steps and advocating for the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza and a unified West Bank.

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