Israeli and Hamas officials began indirect talks Monday in Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on a U.S.-drafted plan to end the Gaza war as it nears its second anniversary.
An Egyptian official said the sides have agreed on most first-phase terms, including a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Negotiations will resume Tuesday. Talks include Israeli negotiator Ron Dermer, Hamas’ Khalil al-Hayyah, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, with Egyptian mediators leading separate meetings with each side.
The U.S. plan, presented by President Trump, calls for Hamas to disarm, surrender power in Gaza, and release the remaining 48 hostages within three days in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Israel would halt bombing and partially withdraw its forces. Despite Trump’s order to stop airstrikes, Israeli strikes killed at least 19 people in the past 24 hours, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi praised Trump’s efforts, calling the U.S.-backed peace framework crucial for regional stability.
