Daijiworld Media Network - Cairo
Cairo, Oct 8: High-level officials from Qatar and Turkey have joined the ongoing Gaza ceasefire negotiations in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, marking a crucial phase in diplomatic efforts to halt the escalating conflict between Hamas and Israel.
Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani arrived in the Red Sea resort on Wednesday to participate in the talks. According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari, his presence reflects the "critical stage" of the negotiations and Qatar’s continued commitment to achieving a resolution.
At the same time, Ibrahim Kalin, head of Turkey's National Intelligence Organization, is also attending the talks, with Ankara focused on securing a ceasefire, a hostage-prisoner exchange, and humanitarian aid access to the war-torn Gaza Strip, as reported.
The current round of indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel began Monday, mediated primarily by Egypt and Qatar, with support from Turkey and other regional stakeholders.
Talks are centered around a 20-point proposal reportedly put forward by US President Donald Trump following his White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in September. The plan includes:
• A phased ceasefire-for-hostages deal
• Gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza
• Establishment of a demilitarized Gaza
• International oversight for post-war reconstruction and governance
• Explicit exclusion of Hamas from future administrative roles
While Hamas has previously rejected exclusion from post-conflict governance, mediators are reportedly pressuring both parties to show flexibility amid mounting humanitarian concerns.
Meanwhile, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and French President Emmanuel Macron held discussions on Tuesday, reaffirming the urgent need for:
• An immediate cessation of hostilities
• Unhindered flow of humanitarian aid
• A prisoner and hostage exchange deal
The involvement of Qatar and Turkey—both of whom maintain channels with Hamas—signals renewed momentum in the mediation process, although major political hurdles remain, particularly around Gaza’s future governance and Israeli security guarantees.
The situation remains fluid, with more updates expected as talks progress.