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Key Points

Indirect talks between Hamas and Israel have begun in Egypt with mediators working to find common ground. The negotiations focus on implementing a prisoner-hostage exchange under the US-proposed ceasefire plan. Separate meetings are being held with each delegation before US mediators arrive to review the outcomes. These talks represent a critical step toward potential de-escalation in the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Key Points: Egypt Hosts Hamas-Israel Indirect Talks on Gaza Ceasefire Deal

  • Talks focus on establishing mechanism for all detainee-prisoner exchanges
  • Negotiations follow Hamas announcement to release hostages under US plan
  • US mediators expected to arrive Tuesday to receive negotiation results
  • Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya despite recent assassination attempt
2 min read

Indirect Hamas-Israel talks on Gaza ceasefire plan kick off in Egypt

Egyptian and Qatari mediators facilitate indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel focusing on hostage-prisoner exchange under US ceasefire proposal in Sharm El Sheikh.

"preparing the ground for the potential swap - Al Qahera News"

Cairo, Oct 7

Indirect talks between Israeli and Hamas delegations commenced Monday in Egypt to discuss a framework for the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, Egypt's state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV reported.

The talks, hosted by Egyptian and Qatari mediators in the Red Sea city of Sharm El Sheikh, are focused on "preparing the ground" for the potential swap, Xinhua news agency reported quoting Al Qahera News.

With the priority to focus on and expand "common ground points" between Israel and Hamas, the mediators are actively working with both sides to "establish a mechanism for the release of all detainees in exchange for prisoners," it reported.

On Saturday, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said the Israel-Hamas indirect talks on Monday would discuss "field conditions and details" for the exchange of "all Israeli detainees and Palestinian prisoners" under the US-proposed 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan.

On Sunday, Egyptian sources told Xinhua the Hamas delegation arrived in Egypt to prepare for negotiations with the Egyptian side on Monday in Sharm El Sheikh, during which the two sides would discuss implementing the first phase of the US-proposed plan.

After the Hamas meeting, the Egyptian side would hold a separate one with the Israeli delegation. The results from both negotiations would be delivered to US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner upon their arrival in Egypt, the sources added.

Earlier on Sunday, an Egyptian security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the Israeli delegation had arrived in Egypt, with US mediators expected on Tuesday or Wednesday. Negotiations are scheduled to last three days.

According to Palestinian sources, the Hamas delegation is led by senior official Khalil al-Hayya, who traveled to Egypt for the first time since surviving an assassination attempt in Qatar's Doha last month to join indirect talks with Israel.

The indirect talks follow Hamas's recent announcement that it would release all Israeli hostages taken since October 7, 2023, under the US plan. According to Israeli officials, Hamas still holds 48 hostages, including 20 believed to be alive. But Hamas has not addressed other provisions, notably disarmament, which Israel insists is essential for any truce.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As an Indian watching from afar, I hope this brings peace. We know too well how terrorism affects innocent lives. Israel has the right to defend itself, but civilian lives matter most.
D
David E
Three days of talks seems optimistic given the complexity. The disarmament issue is crucial - without it, any ceasefire will be temporary. Hope the US mediators can bridge this gap.
A
Ananya R
While I support peace efforts, I'm concerned about the timing. With elections coming up in multiple countries, are these talks being rushed for political gains? The focus should be on sustainable peace, not quick wins.
S
Sarah B
The fact that Hamas is willing to release all hostages is a positive step. But what about the Palestinian prisoners? Many are held without trial. Both sides need to show flexibility for real progress.
V
Vikram M
Egypt and Qatar are playing a vital role here. As someone from India, I appreciate how regional powers can sometimes achieve what superpowers cannot. Hope this brings relief to all affected families. 🤝

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