The discussions mediated by Egyptian and US officials are centered on a phased ceasefire proposal drafted by former US President Donald Trump. Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas began on Monday at Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, marking a fresh attempt to end the nearly two-year war in Gaza under a US-brokered peace plan.
### The Ceasefire Proposal
The discussions focus on a phased ceasefire plan envisioning a halt to hostilities, the release of hostages, and the disarmament of Hamas—a key Israeli demand. The talks are seen as a critical step toward resolving the ongoing conflict and addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region.
### Inside the Talks
Negotiations on Monday lasted for several hours, with delegations from both sides led by Israel’s top negotiator Ron Dermer and Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayyah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s foreign policy adviser, Ophir Falk, was also present. US envoy Steve Witkoff and former President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are expected to join in the next rounds of talks.
According to Egyptian officials, the parties reached tentative agreement on most first-phase terms, including a ceasefire and hostage exchange. However, they remain divided over Hamas’s future role and the timeline for Israeli troop withdrawal. Talks are scheduled to resume on Tuesday.
Trump, who unveiled the peace blueprint last week, expressed optimism about the negotiations. He stated that resolving the Gaza crisis could reset the Middle East peace process. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi praised the effort, calling it vital to preserving regional stability.
### Bombardment Continues Despite Peace Push
Even as talks unfolded, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza persisted despite Trump’s directive to halt the bombing. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that 19 Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours, adding to a death toll exceeding 67,000 since the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023. Nearly 170,000 people have been wounded, according to the ministry.
The Israeli military insisted it was conducting “defensive strikes” to protect its troops. Hamas’s October 7 assault on Israel killed about 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken; most have since been released in previous truces.
### Hostage Families and Global Reactions
Families of Israeli hostages have written to the Nobel Committee, urging it to award Trump the Nobel Peace Prize for his mediation role. “For the first time in months, we are hopeful that our nightmare will finally be over,” they said in a letter.
Meanwhile, the Vatican condemned both Hamas’s initial massacre and Israel’s ongoing bombardment. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, stated, “Even legitimate defence must respect proportionality. The chain of hatred leads nowhere good.”
### Humanitarian Impact in Gaza
In Gaza, civilians continue to endure severe humanitarian fallout. Families displaced multiple times struggle to access food, water, and safety. Many mothers are marking their children’s second birthdays in tents instead of in homes, underscoring the profound human cost of the conflict.
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The ongoing negotiations represent a delicate balance of competing demands and tragic realities, offering a glimmer of hope amid prolonged suffering in the region.
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