Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas are set to begin in Egypt today, focused on implementing Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan. The negotiations are taking place in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani present to facilitate discussions.
Hamas has provisionally agreed to release Israeli hostages, reportedly around 20 who are still alive, but has not accepted all conditions of the peace plan. The group’s delegation is led by Khalil al-Hayaa, who Israel attempted to assassinate in Qatar last month. Israel’s team is headed by Minister Ron Dermer.
Over the weekend, former US President Donald Trump tweeted updates on the talks, describing the discussions as “very positive” and “proceeding rapidly.” He urged all parties to “MOVE FAST,” warning that delays could lead to “massive bloodshed.” Trump also called on Israel to halt bombing in Gaza to ensure hostages can be released safely.
Despite the peace efforts, Israeli attacks on Gaza City continued overnight and into Monday. Mahmoud Basal, a spokesman for Gaza’s Civil Defense, reported that 24 Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours. Bombardment targeted residential areas, the southern and western industrial zones, university areas, and key infrastructure including al-Shifa hospital.
Basal also noted that no aid trucks have been allowed into Gaza City since the offensive began four weeks ago.
Israeli artillery and airstrikes hit Tel al-Hawa, al-Jalaa, al-Nasr Street, Beach Camp, al-Tuffah, and the public security compound. Residents reported explosive devices dropped over homes, with some bodies still unretrievable in areas under Israeli control.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he hopes to announce the release of hostages “in the coming days,” signaling the potential for early progress from the Sharm el-Sheikh talks. Analysts say the negotiations may be among the most consequential since the war began, as both sides weigh steps toward hostages’ release, ceasefire arrangements, and other elements of Trump’s peace plan.
As the talks proceed, international attention remains focused on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the ongoing military operations, and the political leverage of US-mediated diplomacy in the region.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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