U.S. President Donald Trump has called for a pause in Israel’s offensive ahead of indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, set to begin today in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The negotiations will centre on Trump’s 20-point peace proposal, which has been largely accepted by both sides.

Hamas stated that the talks will focus on securing a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and a prisoner exchange. Israel’s delegation, led by senior adviser Ron Dermer, is expected to participate. President Trump described the progress as swift and urged all parties to “move fast.” While the proposal includes an Israeli military withdrawal, Israeli officials maintain that forces will remain in parts of Gaza to ensure security.

The humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to mount, with more than 8,500 people, among them over 1,000 infants, removed from the civil registry amid ongoing hostilities. Several Arab nations, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, have expressed support for Hamas’s engagement in the talks and welcomed the U.S. initiative. Hamas, in turn, has signalled readiness to transfer administrative control of Gaza to a transitional Palestinian committee of independent technocrats, raising hopes for a potential breakthrough.