SHARM EL-SHEIKH: The first day of resumed indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas concluded on a positive note in Egypt on Monday, with mediators expressing cautious optimism that a framework could soon emerge to implement US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan aimed at ending the Gaza war.
According to multiple diplomatic sources cited by Al Jazeera and other outlets, Monday’s meeting in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh was described as “constructive” and resulted in a preliminary roadmap for how talks will proceed in the coming days. Negotiators from both sides are expected to reconvene on Tuesday for a second round of discussions. Negotiators are set to return for more discussions today.
Hopeful Start Amid Lingering Violence
The Hamas delegation reportedly raised concerns over Israel’s continued bombardment of Gaza, which it said threatened to derail the ongoing talks on the release of captives and a potential ceasefire. Despite the dialogue, Israeli attacks across the enclave on Monday killed at least ten Palestinians, including three who were reportedly waiting for humanitarian aid, according to Al Jazeera’s sources.
The Hamas team in attendance included senior figures Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin, both of whom survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Doha last month that killed five others. Discussions on the opening day reportedly focused on a potential prisoner and captive exchange, a sustained ceasefire, and the expansion of humanitarian access into Gaza.
Trump’s Push for Early Breakthrough
In Washington, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump was personally overseeing efforts to accelerate an exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners as an early confidence-building step.
“The technical teams are reviewing lists on both sides to ensure the process is smooth and secure,” Leavitt said, emphasizing that Trump views such a deal as critical to “building momentum” toward broader peace objectives under his proposed 20-point framework.
Speaking later from the Oval Office, Trump said he believed “a deal is within reach,” while acknowledging that there remain “certain red lines” in the negotiations.
“I think we’re doing very well, and I think Hamas has been agreeing to things that are very important,” Trump said, praising the “constructive” role of Arab and Turkish mediators as well as his special envoy, real estate developer Steve Witkoff, who is leading the US delegation. Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner is also reportedly involved in the talks.
Two Years Since October 7
The resumption of talks coincides with the second anniversary of the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,139 people and resulted in roughly 200 hostages being taken. Since then, the war has devastated Gaza, where at least 67,160 Palestinians have been killed and more than 169,000 wounded, according to health authorities in the enclave.
A United Nations inquiry and several international human rights organizations — including Israeli groups — have described Israel’s campaign as genocidal, a charge Israel rejects.
Guterres: “An Opportunity That Must Be Seized”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged the anniversary of the Hamas attack in a post on social media, condemning it as an “abhorrent act of terror” while also urging all parties to seize what he called a “rare opportunity” for peace.
“The recent proposal put forward by President Trump presents an opportunity that must be seized to bring this tragic conflict to an end,” Guterres wrote. “A permanent ceasefire and a credible political process are essential to prevent further bloodshed and pave the way for lasting peace.”
Despite ongoing skepticism among analysts about the viability of Trump’s peace plan, Monday’s talks in Egypt have been widely viewed as the most promising diplomatic opening in months — raising hopes, however cautious, that the devastating war in Gaza could finally move toward a negotiated end.
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