Israeli and Hamas representatives are set to begin indirect negotiations on Monday in Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, aiming to end nearly two years of devastating conflict in Gaza under a U.S.-brokered peace proposal. The talks, mediated by Egypt and backed by the United States, mark the most significant diplomatic effort yet to secure a lasting ceasefire since hostilities reignited. The discussions will center on a phased truce, partial withdrawal of Israeli troops, and a prisoner exchange involving Israeli hostages held in Gaza and Palestinians detained in Israel.
Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for an immediate halt to airstrikes, Israeli bombardments continued overnight, killing at least 19 Palestinians in the last 24 hours, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israel’s delegation, led by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, was expected to arrive Monday morning. Hamas confirmed its delegation, headed by Khalil al-Hayya, reached Egypt on Sunday. Al-Hayya, who survived an alleged Israeli assassination attempt in Qatar last month, will lead the group’s negotiating team.
The U.S. peace framework, reportedly drafted by Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner, envisions a three-phase process. The first phase involves a temporary ceasefire, the release of 48 remaining hostages, and the gradual disarmament of Hamas. Later stages would focus on Gaza’s reconstruction, governance transition, and eventual steps toward a two-state solution. Both Israel and Hamas have publicly supported “elements” of the plan, though key issues — particularly Hamas’s full disarmament and the future administration of Gaza remain unresolved.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the talks “should last only a few days,” while some Hamas officials cautioned that locating hostages’ remains under collapsed buildings could delay progress. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi praised the renewed peace effort, calling it “a path toward lasting stability and a viable Palestinian state.” Speaking in a televised address marking the anniversary of the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, el-Sisi said the initiative builds on decades of U.S.-led diplomacy that has “anchored regional peace since the Camp David accords.” As talks begin, humanitarian agencies warn that Gaza’s situation remains catastrophic with tens of thousands dead, entire neighborhoods leveled, and access to food, water, and electricity severely limited. The United Nations says over 80% of Gaza’s population has been displaced since the conflict began.
