Sharm El Sheikh / Washington: Two years after the devastating events of October 7, 2023, delegations from Israel and Hamas began indirect negotiations in Egypt on Monday, in an effort the United States hopes could bring an end to the ongoing war in Gaza.
The talks, held at the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh, address highly contentious issues, including demands for Israel to withdraw from Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas. Both sides are also seeking clarity on mechanisms for a prisoner exchange involving both living and deceased hostages.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in a social media post, urged swift progress, stating: “I am told that the first phase should be completed this week, and I am asking everyone to MOVE FAST.” However, officials familiar with the negotiations have cautioned that a resolution could take several days, noting that certain obstacles—such as recovering the bodies of deceased hostages scattered across the battlefield—may prevent meeting tight deadlines, like Trump’s call to return all hostages within 72 hours.
A Palestinian official close to the talks expressed skepticism over the potential for a breakthrough, citing deep mutual mistrust. Hamas and other Palestinian factions remain wary that Israel might abandon negotiations once the hostages are returned.
Hamas negotiators are focusing on ensuring clarity regarding the swap of remaining prisoners for Palestinian detainees in Israel, Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, and a ceasefire, according to a statement released by the group. One major sticking point is Israel’s demand—and echoed in Trump’s plan—that Hamas disarm. Hamas has consistently refused to disarm until Israel ends its occupation and a Palestinian state is established.
White House Developments
In a notable shift, the White House did not completely rule out the possibility of recognizing a Palestinian state in the future. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, when asked whether the Trump administration would recognize a Palestinian state if Hamas agreed to cede power to a transitional technocratic government, responded cautiously:
“Look, I don’t want to get ahead of the technical talks right now… they’re extremely sensitive. There’s many things to discuss. Of course, this is hopefully – we expect, and we hope – going to be one of the greatest peace deals this world has ever seen. And the Trump administration is working diligently and working very hard to get there.”
The indirect talks mark a significant, if cautious, step toward ending two years of conflict in Gaza, but officials on both sides warn that resolving the complex issues at hand will require patience, compromise, and careful negotiation.
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