ALBAWABA- In a major diplomatic breakthrough, ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas have entered a promising new phase, with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff en route to Egypt to reinforce indirect talks that began Monday in Sharm El-Sheikh.
The discussions, mediated by Egyptian and Qatari officials, reportedly ended their first round on a “positive” note, focusing on prisoner exchanges, a potential permanent ceasefire, and expanding humanitarian aid to Gaza, even as Israeli airstrikes continued.
Hamas’s delegation, participating under President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, called for clear guarantees to prevent Israel from resuming aggression, while stressing its commitment to “overcome obstacles to an agreement that meets the aspirations of the Palestinian people.”
Speaking at a press conference marking two years since Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, Hamas leader Fawzi Barhoum warned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may attempt to derail progress.
Egyptian mediators have reportedly begun reviewing lists of Palestinian prisoners proposed for release as part of a potential exchange deal.
Meanwhile, at the White House, President Donald Trump, alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, hailed what he called a “rare opportunity for eternal peace in the Middle East.”
Trump expressed optimism that a Gaza deal is within reach, urging all parties to “move fast” to seize the momentum.
Carney echoed support for the U.S.-led initiative, saying Canada welcomes the plan’s potential to “foster lasting regional stability.”
The current U.S.-backed negotiations are widely viewed as the most hopeful effort yet to end a war that has killed over 70,000 Palestinians and devastated Gaza since the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, which left 1,200 Israelis dead.
