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. Key figures involved include Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, and Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi.
The talks, led under the guidance of former U.S. President Donald J. Trump, focus on securing a ceasefire, exchanging hostages, and establishing timelines for Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza. Egyptian President al-Sisi described the involvement of Kushner and Witkoff as “very encouraging,” highlighting their mandate to resolve the conflict. Discussions have centered on prisoner exchanges, with Hamas submitting a list of Palestinian detainees it seeks released in return for hostages held in Gaza.
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 his government’s efforts to pressure Hamas to accept the plan while urging Israel to cease military operations.
As talks continue, Israeli forces have reportedly reduced their ground offensive in Gaza. The negotiations mark the third day of indirect discussions aimed at de-escalating the conflict.
