Israel and Hamas began indirect talks in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday, after both sides signaled support for President Trump’s peace plan to end the Gaza war [thehill.com#3][pbs.org#6]. Hamas said it would accept parts of the 20-point plan, including releasing all remaining Israeli hostages and the remains of those who have died, while Israel has provisionally agreed to the framework [vox.com#5]. The renewed diplomacy comes two years after Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, attacks that ignited the conflict [thehill.com#2].
Highlights:
- Talks begin: Indirect negotiations started Monday in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh, hosted by Egypt [thehill.com#3][pbs.org#6].
- Hostages central: Hamas said it would release all remaining Israeli hostages and the remains of those killed as part of the plan, while seeking to discuss details [vox.com#5].
- Israeli stance: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has provisionally agreed to President Trump’s 20-point framework [vox.com#5].
- U.S. role: President Trump’s peace initiative underpins the talks, with both parties signaling support for his plan [pbs.org#6][thehill.com#2][thehill.com#3].
- Operational pause: On Saturday, after a demand from President Trump, Israel ordered a halt to operations in Gaza to prepare for the talks [vox.com#5].
Perspectives:
- Hamas: The group agreed to the plan’s outline—including releasing all surviving hostages and the remains of the dead—but wants to “discuss the details.”. (Vox)
- Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu provisionally accepted President Trump’s 20-point proposal as a basis for the talks. (Vox)
- United States: Both sides have signaled support for President Trump’s peace plan, which set the stage for indirect talks. (PBS NewsHour)
- Slate analysis: Trump may be uniquely positioned to push Netanyahu toward a deal. (Slate)
- National Review commentary: Analysts caution Hamas is unlikely to willingly surrender power in Gaza, complicating implementation. (National Review)
- The New Yorker analysis: Hamas’s shifting calculus and President Trump’s impatience could open space for a deal. (The New Yorker)
Sources:
- Why Israel and Hamas Might Finally Have a Deal – newyorker.com
- Israel, Hamas begin key talks in push to end Gaza war – thehill.com
- Is the Gaza Deal Real? – slate.com
- Is Israel’s war in Gaza actually about to end? – vox.com
- What remains uncertain as key talks to end the war in Gaza begin – pbs.org
- Three Theories of Hamas and the Trump Peace Deal – nationalreview.com
