Israel-Hamas peace talks held in Egypt
Delegations from Israel and the Palestinian movement Hamas have met in Egypt for indirect negotiations on a peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump.
The talks come exactly two years after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The talks, held on Monday, 6 October, in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, were described as taking place "in a positive atmosphere," according to the Reuters news agency.
The negotiations, mediated by Egypt, the US, and Qatar, focused on the core provisions of the US plan. These include a ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. In return, Israel is expected to release 250 Palestinian prisoners sentenced to life.
Both Israel and Hamas have broadly endorsed the plan’s principles, which are supported by key Arab and Western nations.
"I truly believe we will reach a deal," US President Donald Trump said in Washington. "We have a real chance to make peace, and it will be a lasting one."
According to Palestinian sources cited by Reuters, Hamas presented its position on the release of hostages and the timeline for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, but also voiced concerns over Israel's commitment to a permanent truce and a complete withdrawal.
Despite the negotiations, Israeli jets continued raids on the Gaza Strip, where local authorities reported 19 fatalities over the last 24 hours.
The talks are taking place against the backdrop of the region's worst humanitarian crisis in decades. The war, which was triggered by the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023, has resulted in the deaths of more than 67,000 Palestinians and displaced nearly two million people. In Israel, the initial attack killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in the taking of more than 250 hostages.
The peace plan proposed by Mr Trump is considered by Washington to be "the most serious attempt" to end the two-year conflict. However, analysts warn that key details, particularly regarding Hamas' disarmament and Israel's full withdrawal, could once again stall the process.
The US hopes the parties will reach an agreement on the initial phase – the release of the hostages – within days.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
