Israel, Hamas prepare for talks over possible Gaza truce
CAIRO—Israeli and Hamas officials are meeting in an Egyptian resort on Monday in hopes of hammering out a potential ceasefire in Gaza on the eve of the devastating war’s second anniversary.
The indirect negotiations will take place in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh where the Israeli delegation, headed by top negotiator Ron Dermer, is set to arrive on Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said.
Hamas’ delegation, headed by Khalil al-Hayya, arrived on Sunday in Egypt, the group said in a statement.
It said the negotiations will focus on the first stage of a ceasefire, including the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces as well as the release of hostages held by the militants in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli detention.
Peace Plan
US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner are also expected to join the talks, Egypt’s state-run Al-Ahram reported.
This latest push for peace comes after Hamas accepted some elements of the US peace plan, a move welcomed by Trump. Israel has said it supported the new US effort. Under the plan, Hamas would release the remaining 48 hostages—about 20 believed to be alive—within three days. It would give up power and disarm.
The talks in Egypt are expected to move fast as Netanyahu said they would be “confined to a few days maximum,” though some Hamas officials have warned more time may be needed to locate bodies of hostages buried under rubble.
Israel’s heavy bombardment of Gaza would need to stop for Israeli hostages to be released. Israel says it’s largely heeding Trump’s call for ending the bombing. The Israeli military said it is mostly carrying out defensive strikes to protect troops.
