After two years of devastating conflict in Gaza, Israeli and Hamas negotiators are finally sitting down for peace talks with U.S. President Donald Trump pushing both sides to “move fast” and deliver results.
The high-stakes negotiations are being held in Egypt’s Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, where mediators from the United States, Israel, and Hamas are discussing Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan. The proposal unveiled last week outlines a multi-phase roadmap aimed at halting violence, releasing hostages, and rebuilding Gaza.
Trump said on X (formerly Twitter): “Everyone needs to MOVE FAST. I’m told the first phase should be completed this week.”
But the peace process remains fragile. Despite Trump’s warning to stop airstrikes, Israel continued its military operations in Gaza City, where at least 21 civilians were killed and nearly 100 injured in the past 24 hours, according to Gaza’s health ministry run by Hamas.
Since the October 7 attacks in 2023, more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed, while Israel reports 1,152 soldiers and security personnel dead since the start of the war.
The talks coincide with the anniversary of the October 7 massacre, when Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people mostly civilians and took 251 hostages. Israeli officials believe around 48 hostages remain in Gaza, though fewer than half are thought to be alive.
Hamas’s delegation is being led by Khalil al-Hayya, who recently survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Qatar. The group has agreed in principle to some of Trump’s proposals including the release of hostages but has yet to commit to all 20 points.
The first phase of the plan focuses on the exchange of prisoners and hostages: Hamas would free the remaining captives in return for the release of around 1,950 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
Iran, a major backer of Hamas, has cautiously endorsed Trump’s effort, saying in a statement that it “welcomes any decision by the Palestinian people that ensures an end to the genocide in Gaza, the withdrawal of occupying forces, and the reconstruction of the region.”
Trump has dispatched his special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner to lead the talks. A key demand in his plan is for Israel to pause military operations in Gaza, though Israel has so far only confirmed a “temporary halt in certain bombings.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, remains under pressure. His push to expand Israel’s control over Gaza City approved in August has triggered widespread international criticism and fears of worsening famine among the enclave’s 2.1 million residents. Netanyahu continues to insist that Israel will not stop until Hamas is completely destroyed, echoing his earlier vow that the group would be “wiped from the face of the earth.”
As world leaders watch closely, the outcome of these Sharm el-Sheikh peace talks could determine whether Gaza finally sees a lasting ceasefire or whether the war continues into another year of tragedy.
Trump wants to use these talks as justification to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. To be recognized as a world renowned peace maker.
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