Gaza Peace Talks Progress in Egypt; Trump Remains Optimistic for Deal Completion

Indirect talks aimed at securing a US-brokered peace deal to end the war in Gaza concluded their latest round in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Tuesday. The discussions, which commenced on Monday, focused on critical ‘field conditions’ for a potential exchange of all Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

US President Donald Trump expressed strong confidence in the peace process, telling reporters at the White House on Monday that there’s ‘a really good chance of making a deal, and it’ll be a lasting deal.’ He further noted on social media that the first phase of the plan, including hostage releases, ‘should be completed this week,’ and highlighted Hamas’s agreement to ‘very important’ aspects.

The negotiations coincided with the second anniversary of the the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, a somber backdrop to the efforts to de-escalate the conflict. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer both underscored the significance of the US initiative.

The proposed 20-point plan, reportedly agreed upon by Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seeks an immediate ceasefire and the release of 48 hostages (20 believed alive) in exchange for hundreds of detained Gazans. It also promises immediate aid to Gaza upon agreement and stipulates no future governance role for Hamas, while leaving open the possibility of a Palestinian state.

However, significant hurdles remain. Hamas, in its Friday response, agreed to the hostage exchange ‘according to the exchange formula contained in Trump’s proposal’ but did not explicitly accept the entire 20-point plan. It also renewed its offer to hand Gaza administration to a ‘Palestinian body of independents’ but made no mention of disarmament or relinquishing its future governance role. Conversely, Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated his longstanding opposition to a Palestinian state, stating, ‘It’s not written in the agreement. We said we would strongly oppose a Palestinian state.’

Key figures, including US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Qatari foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, participated in the crucial discussions, which Palestinian and Egyptian officials described as taking place in a ‘positive atmosphere.’

阅读中文版 (Read Chinese Version)

Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.