Israel and Hamas will hold indirect talks in Egypt today, raising hopes for a ceasefire as Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu signalled a hostage deal could be near. The negotiations, based on U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, aim to secure a ceasefire, Israeli troop withdrawal, and a hostages for prisoners exchange. Hamas has agreed in principle to release 48 hostages and disarm in exchange for an end to Israeli military operations. Israel’s delegation, led by Ron Dermer, joined the talks alongside a Hamas team and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said this is the closest they’ve come to a full hostage release and urged a halt to airstrikes to help the process move forward.

 

 

US President Mr Trump wrote on his social media platform that Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which has been shared with Hamas.  He added that once Hamas confirms, the ceasefire will begin immediately, the hostage and prisoner exchange will start, and the next phase of withdrawal will begin, bringing the region closer to ending the war.  Mr Trump warned of complete obliteration if Hamas stays in power, but said Netanyahu was committed to peace. 

 

 

Outside Netanyahu’s residence, hostage families called for continued U.S. pressure as airstrikes in Gaza raised fears for their safety. Support for a ceasefire grew, with eight Muslim-majority countries backing the plan and a return of the Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza. Although Israel’s military said operations against Hamas would continue if political efforts fail.