Insiders involved in the mediated discussions between Israel and Hamas report constructive developments on Monday, with talks set to proceed.
The initial day of renewed indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, held in Egypt, concluded on an optimistic note. Multiple sources informed Al Jazeera and other outlets that there is cautious hope for an agreement to advance US President Donald Trump’s comprehensive 20-point framework aimed at resolving the Gaza conflict.
Delegates are scheduled to reconvene for further dialogue on Tuesday.
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According to Al Jazeera Arabic, the meeting held in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh was described as “constructive,” with a clear plan established for the continuation of the current negotiation phase.
Representatives from Hamas expressed concerns to mediators that ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza complicate efforts to negotiate the release of detainees, Al Jazeera Arabic reported.
The Hamas delegation featured prominent figures such as Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin, both of whom survived a recent Israeli assassination attempt in central Doha that resulted in five fatalities last month.
Discussions on the first day focused on key issues including a prisoner and captive exchange, a ceasefire agreement, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid into Gaza, as reported by Egypt’s state-affiliated Al-Qahera News.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that President Trump is advocating for an expedited swap of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners to generate “momentum” for implementing the broader peace plan.
Leavitt stated, “Our technical teams are actively engaged in ensuring all conditions are optimal for the release of these hostages,” adding that they are meticulously reviewing the lists of both Israeli captives and Palestinian political detainees slated for release.
Speaking from the Oval Office on Monday afternoon, Trump expressed optimism, saying, “We have a strong chance of reaching an agreement,” while also reaffirming that certain “red lines” remain firm.
He added, “Progress is being made, and Hamas has agreed to several critical points.”
Reporting from Washington, DC, Al Jazeera’s Rosiland Jordan noted that Trump refrained from providing specific details about the negotiations beyond his generally positive outlook.
Jordan also highlighted that the US President praised the collaborative Arab-Turkish efforts to keep Hamas engaged in the talks, commended the resilience of the Israeli people, and lauded his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, who is leading the American delegation.
Additionally, Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and a real estate entrepreneur, is reportedly part of the US negotiating team.
Egypt’s Al-Qahera News confirmed that the discussions are expected to continue on Tuesday, coinciding with the second anniversary of the Hamas assault on Israel, which resulted in 1,139 deaths and approximately 200 hostages taken.
Since that attack, Israeli military operations have resulted in the deaths of at least 67,160 Palestinians and injuries to 169,679 in Gaza. This conflict has been characterized as genocidal by a United Nations inquiry, prominent genocide experts, and leading human rights organizations, including Israeli NGOs.
Despite ongoing negotiations, Israeli forces reportedly killed at least 10 Palestinians on Monday during strikes across Gaza, including three individuals seeking humanitarian assistance, according to Al Jazeera sources.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres marked the somber anniversary on social media, referring to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack as a “horrific large-scale terror assault on Israel.”
Guterres also remarked that the “recent proposal” introduced by Trump “offers a vital opportunity that must be seized to end this tragic conflict.”
He stressed, “A lasting ceasefire and a credible political process are crucial to halt further violence and lay the groundwork for peace.”
