Two years after the October 7, 2023 attacks that plunged Gaza into war, delegations from Hamas and Israel have begun indirect negotiations in Egypt’s resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, a move that could shape the future of the conflict.The talks, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, are part of a US-led push to implement President Donald Trump’s sweeping 20-point peace plan, which promises an immediate ceasefire, large-scale prisoner exchanges, and the eventual reconstruction of Gaza under international supervision.Egyptian state-linked outlet Al-Qahera News reported that discussions were focusing on creating “ground conditions for the release of detainees and prisoners,” while Egyptian and Qatari mediators worked on a mechanism for exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.The meetings come under tight security and follow weeks of escalating diplomatic pressure. Just days ago, Israel allegedly targeted Hamas’s chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya in Doha. Al-Hayya, who survived the strike, now leads the Hamas delegation in Egypt.Also read: Can Gaza Peace Plan help Donald Trump win the Nobel Peace Prize on October 10?A Palestinian source close to Hamas quoted by CNN said the talks “may last for several days” and described them as “difficult and complex.” Israeli negotiators are being represented by Netanyahu ally Ron Dermer, while the US team is led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Trump’s 20-point plan
Trump’s peace plan envisions a phased end to the war and a complete restructuring of Gaza’s governance. Within 72 hours of an agreed ceasefire, Hamas would release all hostages living or dead in exchange for Israel freeing 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and another 1,700 detained since October 2023.Also read: Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan — ExplainedIsraeli troops would then withdraw gradually as Hamas disarms, with an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) led by the US and regional partners like Egypt and Jordan deployed to maintain order. Gaza’s administration would shift to a technocratic Palestinian committee overseen by a “Board of Peace” chaired by Trump and joined by figures such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.The plan commits to rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure, ensuring unrestricted humanitarian aid, and establishing a special economic zone to attract investment. It bars Hamas and all militant groups from any future governing role, calling for the dismantling of tunnels, weapons facilities, and all military infrastructure.While Israel has signalled conditional support, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected any pathway to Palestinian statehood, saying, “It’s not written in the agreement. We said we would strongly oppose a Palestinian state.”Hamas, meanwhile, has agreed to release hostages and allow a technocratic Palestinian body to govern Gaza but has not addressed the issue of disarmament. The group said certain clauses related to governance and Palestinian rights “are still being discussed within a national framework.”
Last shot at peace?
Amid the tense negotiations, Trump has issued his sternest warning yet. Speaking to CNN, he said Hamas would face “complete obliteration” if it refused to relinquish control of Gaza. “I expect to soon know whether Hamas is committed to peace,” he told the network, adding when asked about Israeli cooperation, “Yes on Bibi.”Trump has repeatedly pressed both sides to accelerate progress. On Truth Social, he wrote, “I appreciate that Israel has temporarily stopped the bombing in order to give the Hostage release and Peace Deal a chance to be completed. Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off.”He continued: “I will not tolerate delay, which many think will happen, or any outcome where Gaza poses a threat again. Let’s get this done, FAST. Everyone will be treated fairly!”Trump also set a Sunday deadline for Hamas to accept the peace proposal or “face all hell.” Following Hamas’s response, he said, “I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE,” urging Israel to “immediately stop the bombing of Gaza so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly.”
Two years since October 7
As fighting continues, with at least seven Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes on Monday, many see this round of talks as a final chance to end a conflict that has cost more than 67,000 Palestinian and 1,200 Israeli lives.Trump’s plan explicitly removes Hamas from power but offers amnesty to its members who lay down arms. It also guarantees no forced displacement of Palestinians and promises massive international aid for reconstruction.Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has called the initiative “the right path to lasting peace,” while the International Committee of the Red Cross has said it is ready to help facilitate the return of hostages and prisoners.Still, doubts persist. Hamas has questioned the proposal’s clauses on foreign oversight, and some Israeli officials warn the plan could leave “security gaps” in Gaza. Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir cautioned that if talks collapse, Israel will “return to fighting.”
