Gaza Ceasefire Hopes Rise as Israel, Hamas Begin Indirect Talks in Egypt
Gaza Ceasefire Hopes Rise as Israel, Hamas Begin Indirect Talks in Egypt
Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas have commenced in Egypt, focusing on a US-backed ceasefire proposal. There is cautious optimism that these negotiations could bring an end to the nearly two-year conflict in Gaza, despite significant existing divisions.
The primary objectives of the talks center on securing the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, alongside a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. These issues form the initial phase of a comprehensive 20-point plan presented last week by US President Donald Trump, designed to de-escalate the war.
President Trump expressed confidence on Sunday, stating the talks were “very successful and proceeding rapidly,” anticipating the first phase’s completion within the current week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this optimism, hoping to announce the release of all Israeli hostages in the coming days.
Despite the positive outlook, substantial disagreements persist. The Trump plan, while broad in scope, lacks detailed specifics on several crucial points. Discussions began Monday with Arab mediators meeting the Palestinian delegation, followed by separate meetings with the Israeli delegation, before joint discussions with Egyptian, Qatari, and US envoys.
A critical initial topic is the mechanism for hostage release, which, under the US plan, should occur within 72 hours of a ceasefire. Hamas officials have indicated potential delays due to the challenge of locating remains of hostages buried under rubble. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has offered its assistance as an impartial humanitarian actor for prisoner and hostage transfers.
Negotiators must also agree on which Palestinian prisoners will be released. The Palestinian delegation is expected to push for the release of prominent political figures like Marwan Barghouthi, a move that right-wing members of Netanyahu’s coalition oppose, with some threatening to quit the government if Hamas remains in power post-hostage release.
The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, urged Israel to halt bombing in Gaza to facilitate hostage releases. However, Israel has continued strikes, reportedly killing 19 people in the last 24 hours. The broader international community, including Palestinian, Israeli, Western, and Arab officials, has hailed the talks, emphasizing the urgent need for a lasting truce as the war approaches its second anniversary.
Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi welcomed the Trump plan on Monday, believing it could pave the way for “lasting peace” by achieving a ceasefire, hostage/detainee return, Gaza reconstruction, and a political process leading to a Palestinian state. The complete Trump plan envisions an immediate end to fighting, the release of all 48 hostages (20 believed alive), Hamas disarmament, and transfer of power to an international transitional body headed by Trump. In return, Israel would gradually withdraw to a buffer zone and release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The plan also includes a surge of humanitarian aid and reconstruction funds for Gaza.
The EU has expressed interest in participating in Gaza’s transitional governing body. Pressure for an end to the war is mounting within Israel, with hostage families appealing to the Nobel Prize committee to award the peace prize to President Trump for his efforts.
The conflict, which began after Hamas-led militants killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages on October 7, 2023, has resulted in at least 67,160 Palestinian deaths and approximately 170,000 wounded. Israel faces accusations of genocide by a UN commission and human rights organizations, claims which Israel denies, asserting its actions are self-defense.
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