Daijiworld Media Network – Sharm El-Sheikh
Sharm El-Sheikh, Oct 7: Delegations from Israel and Hamas on Monday began indirect negotiations in Egypt under a US-mediated plan aimed at ending the nearly two-year war in Gaza. The talks, hosted at the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh, are being closely watched as both sides confront contentious issues, including demands for Israeli troop withdrawal and Hamas disarmament.
Both parties have endorsed the overarching principles of US President Donald Trump’s plan, which envisions ceasefire, release of hostages, and unhindered humanitarian aid into Gaza. Arab and Western states have also backed the initiative, hailed by Washington as the closest the sides have come to halting the conflict.
Trump urged swift progress, posting on social media, “I am told that the first phase should be completed this week, and I am asking everyone to MOVE FAST.” However, both delegations are seeking clarifications on critical details, particularly the timing of Israeli withdrawals and assurances regarding hostages.
Gaza health authorities reported 19 deaths in Israeli strikes over the past 24 hours, highlighting the urgency of the talks. For residents like 20-year-old Gharam Mohammad, displaced along with her family, the negotiations represent a last hope for survival, saying, “If there is a deal, then we survive. If there isn’t, it is like we have been sentenced to death.”
Officials involved in ceasefire planning have noted challenges in meeting Trump’s proposed 72-hour deadline for returning hostages, as some bodies would need to be recovered from sites across the battlefield. Deep mutual mistrust persists, with Palestinian factions wary that Israel might abandon the talks once hostages are released.
The Israeli delegation includes representatives from Mossad and Shin Bet, foreign policy adviser Ophir Falk, and hostages coordinator Gal Hirsch. The Hamas delegation is led by Gaza leader Khalil al-Hayya, who survived an Israeli strike in Doha that killed his son.
The outcome of these talks could determine the future of Gaza, where the civilian population has been living under continuous bombardment and displacement for nearly two years.