Egypt is set to host indirect talks between Israeli negotiators and the Palestinian movement Hamas, media reports confirmed, as both sides consider a US-led peace initiative aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza.
The discussions are expected to take place in Sharm el-Sheikh on Sunday, October 5, just two days before the anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attack that ignited a war resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries.
The talks focus on a 20-point plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, which has been accepted by Hamas and welcomed by Arab and Islamic states.
The plan calls for a ceasefire, the release of hostages—both living and deceased—the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the exile of its fighters.
It also outlines the creation of a transitional authority of technocrats, led by Trump, along with the deployment of an international force, explicitly excluding Hamas from governance roles in Gaza.
US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are expected to participate in the talks.
The Israeli Prime Minister had instructed his negotiating team to travel to Egypt, which is mediating alongside Qatar, to “finalize the technical details” of the proposed arrangements.
Hamas has reaffirmed its commitment to reaching an agreement aimed at ending the war and to facilitating an “immediate” exchange of hostages and prisoners with Israel. Despite these developments, Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza over the weekend, highlighting the fragile nature of the ceasefire efforts.
According to a Hamas official, negotiators will travel from Doha to Egypt ahead of the talks. While the precise start time has not been officially announced, both sides are under pressure to reach a resolution that addresses humanitarian concerns while navigating deeply entrenched political and security challenges.
The upcoming discussions mark a significant step in international efforts to stabilise Gaza, as regional powers seek to mediate between Israel and Hamas amid escalating tensions and a war-ravaged humanitarian landscape.
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