Negotiations in Cairo aimed at ending the Gaza conflict and securing the release of hostages have entered a decisive phase under U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan.
According to international media reports, a Hamas delegation led by Khaled Al-Hayya—who recently survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Doha—has joined the discussions in Egypt’s capital.
President Trump has urged both parties to complete the first phase of the Gaza Peace Plan within a week, emphasizing that he is personally monitoring the process to bring lasting stability to the Middle East.
Sources suggest that the first stage of the plan involves the release of hostages and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Negotiations are also expected to address the exchange of 20 living hostages and 28 bodies held in Gaza.
Hamas officials stated that their delegation came to negotiate for a ceasefire, troop withdrawal, and prisoner exchange, while Israel has expressed concerns over Hamas’s demand for the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners, including those serving life sentences.
Reports indicate growing tension between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Trump reportedly admonishing Netanyahu for being “too negative” during a recent phone call.
Analysts believe that if significant progress is achieved during this phase, the Cairo talks could mark a turning point in the long-stalled Middle East peace process.
