Talks between Hamas and Israel regarding a ceasefire in Gaza were held in Egypt on Monday. During this, US President Donald Trump stated that he believes Hamas has agreed to some important issues.
Gaza: Significant talks between Israel and Hamas took place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday to end the Gaza war. The objective of the talks was to halt the two-year-long conflict, ensure the release of hostages, and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. US President Donald Trump stated after the meeting that Hamas has agreed to some important issues, and the talks are progressing in a positive direction.
Two-Year Gaza Conflict
The Gaza war began in 2023 after Hamas's attack on Israel. Thousands of people have been killed and a large number injured in the conflict. A humanitarian crisis has created a severe situation in the region. The global community is now taking steps towards ending the war and establishing lasting peace.
Objective of the Talks
The main goal of the meeting was to implement a ceasefire, secure the release of hostages, and prepare a plan for sending relief supplies to Gaza. The US, Egypt, and Qatar participated as mediators. The meeting determined the sequence of the talks and which issues would be prioritized.
Trump's Statement
US President Donald Trump stated that Hamas has agreed to some important issues. He clarified that the US did not forcibly impose any conditions. Trump said, "I believe we are doing very well, and Hamas has agreed to significant points." Hamas has not yet fully agreed to the entire peace plan (20-points peace plan). Israel has accepted the plan and supported the release of hostages and humanitarian aid.
Israel and Hamas Delegations
The Israeli delegation included intelligence officers from Mossad and Shin Bet. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's foreign policy advisor, Ofir Falk, and hostage coordinator, Gal Hirsch, participated in the talks. Netanyahu adopted a positive stance regarding the agreement.
The Hamas delegation arrived from Doha, led by senior official Khalil al-Hayya. The delegation emphasized the release of hostages and the plan to send relief supplies to Gaza. Other members involved in the talks had survived recent Israeli attacks.
Peace Plan Roadmap
The US 20-point peace plan aims to end the war and establish lasting peace in the Gaza region. The talks established a roadmap indicating which issues would be resolved first and the sequence of further discussions. The American delegation was led by Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
Humanitarian Impact of the War
The second anniversary of the Gaza war was on October 7, 2023. On that day, 1,139 people were killed and approximately 200 taken hostage in the Hamas attack. Subsequently, the Israeli army killed 67,160 Palestinians and injured 169,679 in Gaza. The United Nations and human rights organizations have termed it genocidal. During the talks, at least 10 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks.
