Negotiators were gathering in Cairo on Sunday for discussions aimed at bringing an end to almost two years of conflict in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed optimism that the remaining hostages in Gaza would be freed in the coming days.
The diplomatic efforts followed a positive response from the Palestinian militant group Hamas to US President Donald Trump’s plan for the release of captives and the governance of post-war Gaza. Netanyahu confirmed that negotiators were being sent to Egypt to finalize technical details, while Cairo announced that it would host a Hamas delegation to discuss the conditions on the ground and the exchange of all detainees.
Egyptian state media had previously reported that indirect talks between the conflicting parties would be held on Sunday and Monday. In addition, Trump dispatched envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Egypt to support the negotiations.
Netanyahu credited a combination of military and diplomatic pressure for Hamas’s agreement to release the hostages, expressing hope that they would return during the upcoming Sukkot holidays. Hamas had announced its approval for the release of all hostages based on the exchange formula in Trump’s proposal, leading to Trump praising the group’s readiness for peace and calling for an end to Israeli bombings.
Netanyahu reiterated that Hamas would have to disarm either through diplomatic means under Trump’s plan or by military action. Crowds in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem rallied for peace and urged Trump to ensure a successful deal.
The talks are scheduled just before the second anniversary of Hamas’s attack in 2023 that sparked the conflict. Despite Trump’s call for a halt in operations, Israel continued its airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in casualties. Residents expressed concerns over escalating attacks and urged for swift negotiations to prevent further bloodshed.
The Israeli military warned residents not to return to Gaza City due to ongoing operations. Egypt was set to host a conference for Palestinian factions to decide on post-war plans for Gaza, with Hamas emphasizing its role in shaping the territory’s future.
Trump’s plan outlined the exclusion of Hamas and other factions from Gaza’s governance, the release of hostages within 72 hours, an Israeli withdrawal, and Hamas’s disarmament. The proposal suggested a technocratic administration supervised by a transitional authority led by Trump.
Celebratory cries were heard in Gaza following news of Hamas’s statement, with residents expressing hope for a ceasefire mediated by Trump. The 2023 attack by Hamas resulted in significant casualties, with conflicting figures on the total number of deaths reported by Israeli and Palestinian sources.
The situation in Gaza remains tense, with calls for swift negotiations and a lasting peace agreement to prevent further loss of life.