Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas have begun in Egypt to implement U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed plan to end the Gaza war, with the release of hostages given top priority. According to Egypt’s state-affiliated media outlet Al Qahera News, the talks started on Monday in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh and are continuing on Tuesday. Representatives from Hamas and Israeli officials are taking part, while Egyptian and Qatari mediators are facilitating the discussions.
In the initial phase, both sides have started talks on exchanging around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners for the remaining 48 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. Among those prisoners, 250 are serving life sentences. “Efforts are underway to establish a mechanism for the release of hostages,” an Egyptian official told Al Qahera News. He added that Hamas is being cautious, fearing that releasing the hostages too early could reduce its leverage in the talks.
Israel Confirms Readiness; U.S. Envoys to Join Talks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the talks had begun, stating that Israel is “prepared for all possibilities.” “We are ready for any situation and hope the negotiations will reach a successful conclusion,” an Israeli official told The Times of Israel.
The Israeli delegation includes officials from Mossad and Shin Bet, along with Netanyahu’s foreign policy advisers Ophir Falk and Gal Hirsch. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who is serving as the lead negotiator, is expected to join later this week depending on the progress of the discussions. The proposal also includes the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, which Hamas reportedly accepted last week under specific conditions.
White House Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner — who is also President Trump’s son-in-law — are scheduled to arrive in Egypt on Wednesday to help apply pressure on both sides to reach an agreement.
Egyptian sources said Hamas has demanded guarantees that Israel will withdraw its troops once the hostages are released. However, deep mutual distrust remains between the two parties. A Palestinian official noted that “Hamas and other groups fear Israel might break off talks after the hostages are freed.” Hamas has also stated that due to battlefield conditions, it would be difficult to retrieve the bodies of hostages killed within 72 hours after the ceasefire begins — a point mentioned in Trump’s proposal.
