Day one of Gaza peace talks ends on ‘positive’ note in Egypt
Day one of the Gaza peace talks in Egypt concluded on a positive note, with both mediators and participating delegations indicating progress on potential agreements, particularly around a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange under President Donald Trump’s US-backed 20-point plan. While significant obstacles remain—including continued Israeli airstrikes and demands for Hamas to disarm—negotiators from Israel, Hamas, and key international mediators have established a framework for further discussions, which are set to resume today in Sharm el-Sheikh.
The indirect talks, brokered by Egypt and Qatar and supported by the US, focus on implementing stages of the Trump peace plan: a ceasefire, the release of all remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and expanded humanitarian access to Gaza.
Delegates from both sides and mediators described the first day’s environment as “positive,” with tangible momentum towards reaching at least a partial agreement.
Hamas leaders told mediators that ongoing Israeli strikes pose a significant barrier to rapid progress, but technical teams reportedly are actively reviewing lists of hostages and prisoners as a next step.
President Donald Trump and US officials expressed optimism, with Trump stating he believes “a Gaza deal” is likely “very soon,” adding that Hamas is agreeing to crucial conditions, though disarmament and Gaza governance remain unresolved.
Next Steps in the Talks
Negotiations are scheduled to continue in Sharm el-Sheikh today, concentrating on a detailed mechanism for the prisoner-hostage swap and building further consensus on ceasefire terms.
Mediators remain cautious but hopeful, as international attention and pressure mount on all parties to halt two years of hostilities, address humanitarian crises, and begin long-term rebuilding of Gaza.
Context and Challenges
This new round of talks comes on the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which ignited the current war and resulted in thousands of casualties and severe humanitarian devastation in Gaza.
Despite the promising start, key issues—such as the future disarmament of Hamas, security guarantees, and the post-war governance of Gaza—still need to be addressed, with both sides facing intense internal and external pressures.
The overall atmosphere remains cautiously hopeful, but it is clear that substantial diplomatic efforts will be required in the coming days to translate the current progress into a lasting agreement and stable ceasefire.
