CAIRO / ISTANBUL – In a significant development aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, Egypt has announced that it will host a fresh round of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas starting Sunday. The talks, facilitated by Egyptian mediators, are centered on finalizing the details of a prisoner exchange as part of a broader ceasefire plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. This initiative seeks to end the devastating two-year war in Gaza, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives and left the region in ruins.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Saturday, emphasizing that these discussions are part of Egypt’s persistent efforts, in collaboration with international mediators, to bring an end to the Israeli military operations in Gaza. The ministry highlighted that the indirect consultations will focus on establishing the necessary conditions on the ground for a prisoner exchange involving all Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners. The talks are being framed within the context of President Trump’s proposal, which has gained regional and international traction as a potential pathway to halting the conflict and alleviating the immense suffering endured by the Palestinian population.
According to the ministry, the negotiations aim to capitalize on the momentum generated by Trump’s plan, which was unveiled on September 29. The 20-point proposal includes critical elements such as the immediate release of Israeli captives within 72 hours of Israel’s approval, a comprehensive ceasefire, and the disarmament of Hamas. The Egyptian government expressed hope that these talks could mark a turning point in the conflict, which has persisted since October 2023 and left Gaza’s infrastructure in tatters.
Egypt’s state-run Al-Qahera News channel, citing unnamed Egyptian sources, reported that the Hamas and Israeli delegations will deliberate on creating the necessary conditions in Gaza to facilitate the prisoner exchange process. A senior Egyptian security source further confirmed that representatives from both sides are expected to arrive in Cairo on Sunday and Monday to participate in the talks. This development underscores Egypt’s pivotal role as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, leveraging its diplomatic influence to broker peace.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also addressed the upcoming negotiations in a recorded speech on Saturday. He revealed that he had directed his negotiating team to travel to Egypt for a limited period to engage in the talks. Netanyahu expressed optimism about the potential outcomes, stating, “I hope that in the coming days we will be able to announce the return of all our hostages – alive and dead – in one batch, while the army remains deep inside Gaza and in the areas it controls.” He further outlined that the second phase of the agreement would focus on dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities, asserting that Gaza would be demilitarized either through diplomatic agreement or by military force.
Netanyahu claimed that his coordination with President Trump had been instrumental in increasing pressure on Hamas, which he said led to the group’s acceptance of the ceasefire plan. This assertion aligns with Trump’s recent statements on his Truth Social platform, where he indicated that Hamas was “ready for lasting peace” and urged Israel to halt its bombing campaign in Gaza to secure the release of captives. Trump’s involvement has added a new dimension to the negotiations, with his administration actively pushing for a resolution to the conflict.
Hamas, for its part, confirmed on Friday that it had submitted its response to Trump’s ceasefire proposal. The group expressed its willingness to release all Israeli captives, including both the living and the deceased, as part of the agreement. Additionally, Hamas signaled its readiness to transfer control of Gaza’s administration to a technocratic Palestinian authority, which would operate based on national consensus and receive support from Arab and Islamic states. This proposal reflects Hamas’ attempt to align with broader regional efforts to stabilize Gaza and address the humanitarian crisis.
The prisoner exchange remains a central issue in the negotiations. According to estimates from Tel Aviv, 48 Israeli captives are currently held in Gaza, of whom 20 are believed to be alive. In contrast, Israel is detaining approximately 11,100 Palestinian prisoners, many of whom are reportedly subjected to torture, hunger, and medical neglect, as documented by Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations. The stark disparity in the conditions and numbers of captives underscores the complexity of the exchange process and the broader humanitarian concerns at stake.
The war in Gaza, which intensified in October 2023, has had catastrophic consequences. Israeli bombardment has resulted in the deaths of over 67,000 Palestinians, according to local authorities, and has reduced much of Gaza’s infrastructure to rubble. Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed, leaving millions displaced and in dire need of humanitarian assistance. The international community has repeatedly called for an end to the violence, with mediators like Egypt working tirelessly to broker a sustainable ceasefire.
The upcoming talks in Cairo represent a critical opportunity to de-escalate the conflict and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The involvement of President Trump’s administration has injected new momentum into the process, with his ceasefire plan serving as a framework for the negotiations. However, significant challenges remain, including the need to reconcile the differing priorities of Israel and Hamas, ensure the safe release of captives, and establish a lasting ceasefire that addresses the root causes of the conflict.
For Israel, the primary objective is the safe return of its captives and the neutralization of Hamas’ military capabilities. Netanyahu’s insistence on maintaining Israeli military presence in Gaza during the initial phase of the agreement highlights the strategic importance Israel places on retaining control over the region. On the other hand, Hamas is seeking not only the release of Palestinian prisoners but also a broader resolution that includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the establishment of a Palestinian-led administration in Gaza.
The role of Egypt as a mediator is crucial in navigating these complex dynamics. With its long history of facilitating dialogue between Israel and Palestinian factions, Egypt is well-positioned to bridge gaps and foster compromise. The inclusion of international mediators and the support of Arab and Islamic states further enhance the prospects for a successful outcome, though the path to peace remains fraught with challenges.
As the delegations prepare to convene in Cairo, the international community is closely watching the developments. The outcome of these talks could have far-reaching implications for the future of Gaza, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the broader Middle East. A successful prisoner exchange and ceasefire agreement could pave the way for rebuilding efforts in Gaza, addressing the humanitarian crisis, and fostering long-term stability. However, failure to reach an agreement risks prolonging the suffering of millions and escalating tensions in an already volatile region.
The stakes could not be higher. The war in Gaza has already exacted an immense toll, with countless lives lost and entire communities devastated. The negotiations in Cairo offer a glimmer of hope for a resolution, but their success will depend on the willingness of both sides to make difficult compromises. As the talks unfold, the world waits to see whether this latest diplomatic effort will finally bring an end to the violence and lay the foundation for a more peaceful future.
