🔗 Share this article

First phase of Gaza negotiations between the Palestinian group and mediators have ended in Egypt “amid a positive atmosphere”, as reported by Egypt’s government-affiliated news outlets in the morning on the weekday.

An Egyptian news source, which is linked to state intelligence, reported the discussions will resume on Tuesday, also between the militant faction and intermediaries in the tourist destination of Sharm El-Sheikh, where an Israeli delegation arrived on the previous day.

Israel and Hamas are expected to engage in indirect talks on the details of a plan by US President Donald Trump for a hostage-prisoner swap and extended ceasefire.

Trump’s twenty-point plan outlines an immediate halt in hostilities, an exchange of all captives held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, a phased Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the demilitarization of the group and the establishment of a transitional government led by an international body.

Among Hamas’s primary demands since the outset of the war has been a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in return for the release of the outstanding hostages. And while the Palestinian militant group has signaled its willingness to give up administrative authority, it has repeatedly ruled out disarming.

During this first phase of talks, Middle Eastern intermediaries are working with the two parties to prepare ground conditions for the release of the remaining 48 Israeli hostages held in Gaza in exchange for one thousand seven hundred detainees from Palestine held in Israeli jails, and to decide the timeline of a short-term ceasefire.

This round of negotiations is anticipated to be difficult and complicated, and could continue for several days, according to reports. We will have additional information on the negotiations soon.

These negotiations come as Israelis across the nation prepare to commemorate the second anniversary of the October 7th Hamas-initiated assaults on southern Israel, in which approximately 1,200 individuals, primarily civilians, were killed and 251 captured.

Doubt Remains Over Ceasefire Deal

While there are optimistic indicators about this attempt to bring about an end to Israel’s war, there persists uncertainty over whether or not a deal can be secured and, crucially, sustained.

The Palestinian faction has partially accepted the US president’s 20 point plan, which Israel has accepted, but there are still significant sticking points that need resolving, including the post-war administration of Gaza, the extent of withdrawal of Israeli forces and Hamas’ disarmament.

Mediators have to agree which Palestinian prisoners will be freed from prisons in Israel. The representatives from Palestine is expected to request prominent leaders, such as the Palestinian leader a well-known detainee, who are highly regarded in the West Bank and the coastal enclave.

Rightwing members of Netanyahu’s coalition have exerted influence to make sure such influential individuals remain behind bars, news outlets in Israel has stated.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right public security minister, warned to quit the administration if Hamas still remained after the release of hostages, introducing another complication to already delicate negotiations.