🔗 Share this article

Initial phase of Gaza talks between the Palestinian group and mediators have ended in the Arab Republic “amid a constructive atmosphere”, as reported by Egyptian government-affiliated news outlets early on the weekday.

Al-Qahera News, which is linked to government security, stated the discussions will continue on the following day, also between the militant faction and mediators in the tourist destination of Sharm El-Sheikh, where an representatives from Israel landed on Monday.

The Israeli government and the Palestinian faction are anticipated to participate in indirect talks on the details of a proposal by American leader Donald Trump for a captive-detainee swap and extended truce.

Trump’s 20-point proposal outlines an immediate halt in hostilities, an swap of all captives held by Hamas for detainees from Palestine held by the Israeli state, a staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the demilitarization of the group and the introduction of a interim administration led by an international body.

One of the faction’s primary demands since the outset of the conflict has been a full Israeli withdrawal from the territory in return for the release of the outstanding captives. And while the Palestinian militant group has indicated its willingness to give up governing control, it has repeatedly ruled out disarming.

During this initial stage of talks, Egyptian and Qatari intermediaries are working with the two parties to prepare foundational terms for the release of the remaining forty-eight captives from Israel held in Gaza in exchange for one thousand seven hundred detainees from Palestine held in Israeli jails, and to determine the date of a short-term ceasefire.

This round of negotiations is anticipated to be difficult and complex, and could last for a number of days, as per reports. We will have additional information on the negotiations shortly.

These negotiations come as Israelis across the country get ready to commemorate the second anniversary of the October 7th Hamas-initiated attacks on Israel’s southern region, in which about twelve hundred people, mostly non-combatants, were slain and two hundred fifty-one captured.

Uncertainty Remains Over Ceasefire Deal

Although there are positive signs about this effort to achieve an end to Israel’s war, there persists doubt over whether or not a deal can be reached and, crucially, sustained.

Hamas has in part agreed to Trump’s 20 point plan, which the Israeli government has agreed to, but there are still significant obstacles that need addressing, including the future governance of the Gaza Strip, the degree of Israel’s military withdrawal and the group’s demilitarization.

Mediators have to decide which Palestinian prisoners will be freed from Israeli jails. The Palestinian delegation is expected to ask for prominent leaders, such as the figurehead a well-known detainee, who are highly regarded in the Palestinian territory and Gaza.

Conservative members of the Israeli government have exerted influence to make sure such influential individuals remain behind bars, news outlets in Israel has stated.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right government official, warned to leave the government if the faction still remained after the release of captives, adding another hurdle to already delicate peace talks.