Israel and Hamas Engage in Ceasefire Talks in Egypt

Israel and Hamas are set to enter indirect negotiations in Egypt, raising hopes for a potential ceasefire as discussions focus on the release of hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that a truce and the release of hostages could materialize within the week. These talks come as both parties respond to a revised U.S. framework intended to facilitate peace.

The Egyptian foreign ministry announced that it will host delegations from both Israel and Hamas to negotiate a proposed exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff will also participate in the discussions, according to an Egyptian official who requested anonymity.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the situation, stating, “This is the closest we’ve come to getting all of the hostages released.” He outlined a two-phase process where, following the acceptance of the U.S. framework by Hamas, hostages would be released and Israel would withdraw to the “yellow line” that existed in August 2024.

The foreign ministers of eight Muslim-majority countries issued a joint statement on Sunday, expressing support for a potential ceasefire. They welcomed Hamas’ willingness to transfer governance of Gaza to a transitional committee and called for immediate negotiations to implement this proposal. The ministers also emphasized the importance of re-establishing the Palestinian Authority in Gaza and unifying it with the West Bank.

Rubio acknowledged that discussions surrounding governance and the transition of power in Gaza could occur concurrently with the proposed ceasefire and hostage exchange. “That’s the part that I think is going to be a little tougher to work through, but that’s what’s going to provide permanency to the end of the conflict,” he stated.

Despite these diplomatic efforts, violence continues. Reports indicate that airstrikes persisted across the Gaza Strip over the weekend, despite Donald Trump calling for Israel to halt its military operations. Israeli government spokeswoman Shosh Badrosian confirmed that while some bombings had ceased, there is currently no formal ceasefire in place.

Over the weekend, at least eight individuals were reported killed in strikes in Gaza City, according to the Shifa Hospital, which received the casualties. The Health Ministry in Gaza stated that the ongoing conflict has resulted in a death toll of approximately 67,139 Palestinians, with nearly 170,000 injured. The ministry, which operates under the Hamas-run government, does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its statistics but notes that women and children constitute about half of the deceased.

The Israeli military reiterated its commitment to dismantling Hamas infrastructure in the region and advised residents against returning to northern Gaza. Rubio remarked that U.S. authorities will review Israel’s military operations over the weekend, as active combat could jeopardize ongoing negotiations. “The Israelis have said that they would only deal with imminent threats,” he noted.

The situation remains tense, with the humanitarian crisis deepening. Palestinian father of five, Mahmoud Hashem, described the dire conditions in Gaza, stating, “We’re on the brink, and we don’t know whether one will die of a strike or starvation.”

As negotiations progress, the international community watches closely, hopeful that a resolution might emerge from the talks in Egypt.