Beirut, Oct 7: Israel and Hamas began indirect peace talks in Egypt on Monday, on the eve of the Gaza war’s second anniversary, aiming to negotiate a US-drafted plan to end the conflict. The talks are taking place in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh and involve high-level delegations, including Israeli negotiator Ron Dermer and Hamas official Khalil al-Hayyah. US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are also expected to attend.The proposed plan, presented by US President Donald Trump last week, includes a ceasefire, the release of hostages, partial Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, and the eventual disarmament of Hamas. Trump has called for Israel to halt its bombing to enable hostage release, but Israeli airstrikes continue. Gaza’s Health Ministry said 19 Palestinians were killed in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 67,160, with nearly 170,000 wounded since the war began on October 7, 2023.
The plan’s key elements include Hamas releasing the remaining 48 hostages, around 20 of whom are believed to be alive, within three days. Hamas would also relinquish power and disarm, clearing the way for a new political structure in Gaza. Uncertainty remains over the implementation of these demands, particularly the disarmament and who would govern Gaza afterward.
Israel has agreed to parts of the plan, though Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized the talks would be limited to a few days. Hamas, meanwhile, has said more time might be needed to locate and retrieve bodies of hostages buried under rubble. The first phase of talks focuses on an initial ceasefire and a prisoner exchange.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi praised Trump’s efforts, calling the plan a pathway to long-term peace and the recognition of a Palestinian state. He highlighted the importance of maintaining the US-backed peace framework in the region since the 1970s. El-Sisi spoke during a televised address commemorating the 1973 war with Israel.
Despite U.S. pressure, Israeli strikes in Gaza have continued, with the military claiming most are defensive actions to protect troops. In the last 24 hours, two Palestinians seeking aid were reportedly among the dead. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry said over half of the victims were women and children. Although the ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, international observers consider its casualty figures to be among the most reliable.
The conflict began when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and abducting 251, mostly civilians. While most hostages have since been freed through ceasefires and deals, 48 remain in captivity. Hostage families in Israel have petitioned the Nobel Prize Committee to award Trump the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his current peace efforts and past contributions to Middle East diplomacy.