Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas have begun in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, as part of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza. According to Al-Qahera News, which is linked to Egyptian state intelligence, the delegations are discussing “preparing ground conditions for the release of detainees and prisoners,” with Egyptian and Qatari mediators facilitating the talks. The discussions, coinciding with the second anniversary of Hamas’s attacks on Israel, have raised cautious hopes of a ceasefire after months of devastating conflict that has killed over 67,000 people in Gaza and displaced millions. Trump claimed over the weekend that “very positive discussions” had taken place, urging both sides to “move fast” to avoid further bloodshed. He said the first phase of his plan should be completed “this week.” Under the proposal, Hamas would release 48 Israeli captives—20 believed to be alive—in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. The plan also envisions Hamas relinquishing power in Gaza and Israel withdrawing its troops from the enclave. However, major uncertainties remain. The plan lacks a clear timeline for Hamas’s disarmament and offers only vague language on the creation of a Palestinian state, leaving many skeptical on both sides. Israeli forces have continued air strikes in Gaza even as talks proceed, with seven people reportedly killed on Monday morning, including three seeking humanitarian aid. Al Jazeera’s Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman, said “a lot of details could potentially derail the negotiations,” pointing to Israel’s demand that all hostages be released within 72 hours and its insistence on maintaining freedom to pursue Hamas operatives. Israeli and US representatives are expected to join the mediators later this week, after Hamas holds preliminary discussions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined a two-step process: Hamas would first release captives, after which Israel would withdraw its troops to positions held in August. The future of Hamas remains the most contentious issue. Trump’s plan rules out any governing role for the group, though it allows members to remain in Gaza if they renounce violence. While Hamas has expressed willingness to negotiate within a broader Palestinian national framework, Israeli far-right leaders have vowed to collapse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government if Hamas survives politically. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned that allowing Hamas to exist after the war would be a “national defeat,” while opposition leader Yair Lapid said he would back Netanyahu to prevent his “extremist partners” from derailing the process. Despite mounting international pressure and optimism from Washington, analysts warn that deep divisions, vague terms, and political risks on both sides threaten to derail Trump’s ceasefire initiative before it gains traction.
