Day one of the new peace talks ends on a hopeful note as negotiators discuss ceasefire, prisoner exchange, and humanitarian aid under Trump’s Gaza plan
The first day of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas in Egypt ended on a positive note, raising cautious hopes for a potential breakthrough to end the war in Gaza. According to sources familiar with the discussions, both sides made “meaningful progress” on Monday, with negotiations set to continue on Tuesday in Sharm el-Sheikh.
Mediators revealed that a roadmap was outlined for the current round of talks, focusing on key issues such as a ceasefire, the exchange of captives and prisoners, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Progress Amid Tension
Despite the encouraging tone, Hamas negotiators warned that Israel’s ongoing bombing of Gaza continues to threaten the fragile talks. The Hamas delegation included senior leaders Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin, both of whom recently survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Doha that killed five others.
Reports from Egypt’s Al-Qahera News confirmed that the discussions were centered on the exchange of prisoners, the ceasefire terms, and measures to boost aid deliveries to Gaza’s devastated population.
Trump’s 20-Point Peace Plan
The renewed talks are part of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan aimed at ending the Gaza war. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump was pushing for an early exchange of captives to build “momentum” for the wider peace process.
“The technical teams are reviewing the lists of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners to ensure a smooth exchange,” Leavitt said.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump expressed optimism:
“We have a really good chance of making a deal… Hamas has been agreeing to things that are very important.”
He also praised the Arab–Turkish mediation efforts, as well as his special envoy Steve Witkoff, who leads the US delegation, joined by Jared Kushner.
Two Years Since the October 7 Attack
Tuesday’s talks coincide with the two-year anniversary of Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed 1,139 people and saw around 200 taken captive. Since then, Israeli forces have killed at least 67,160 Palestinians and wounded more than 169,000, according to health officials and UN reports.
Even as the peace talks took place, Israeli airstrikes on Monday killed at least 10 Palestinians, including three civilians waiting for humanitarian aid, according to Al Jazeera sources.
UN and Global Response
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres marked the anniversary by condemning Hamas’s “abhorrent large-scale terror attack” while urging all parties to seize the opportunity presented by Trump’s proposal.
“A permanent ceasefire and a credible political process are essential to prevent further bloodshed and pave the way for peace,” Guterres wrote on social media.
As negotiations resume, diplomats say the next 48 hours will be critical in determining whether the Israel–Hamas peace talks can finally move from hopeful words to tangible progress — and bring relief to millions affected by the long and devastating war on Gaza.