Indirect Ceasefire Talks Begin In Egypt

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas terrorists have begun in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh, according to Egyptian state-linked media, as part of efforts toward a Gaza ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange.

Al-Qahera News, which is connected to Egypt’s intelligence services, reported that the delegations “are discussing preparing ground conditions for the release of detainees and prisoners,” in accordance with a proposal advanced by U.S. President Donald Trump to bring an end to the Gaza war.

The network added that “Egyptian and Qatari mediators are working with both sides to establish a mechanism” for the exchange and implementation of the plan.

Egyptian sources indicated that Hamas is seeking clarifications on several points, particularly assurances that Israel will follow through with its commitment to withdraw forces from Gaza after the hostages are released. The indirect talks officially began Monday evening in Egypt, going into Yom Tov.

Meanwhile, the European Union has expressed interest in participating in the transitional authority for Gaza envisioned under President Trump’s proposal. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told reporters, “Yes we feel that Europe has a great role and we should be also on board with this,” when asked whether the EU wanted to join Trump’s “Board of Peace.”

Kallas noted that the EU is a major aid contributor to the Palestinians and maintains close ties with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority. “I think Europe should be not only a payer, but we should also be a player,” she said during an EU-Gulf Cooperation Council meeting in Kuwait.

“We have worked on the peace plan… and we are working together with our Arab partners. They understand that it is in the interest of everybody if we are there, so hopefully, also the Israelis agree to this,” she added.

A source familiar with the Gaza talks cautioned that the negotiations are unlikely to conclude swiftly, despite calls from Israel and the U.S. for a quick resolution.

“Negotiations will last at least a few days if not longer. There won’t likely be a quick agreement because the goal is to reach agreement on a comprehensive deal with all details worked out before the ceasefire can begin to be implemented,” the official told the Times of Israel ahead of the talks.

“Hamas and Israel have agreed to the fundamentals of the Trump 20-point plan. The next phase or phases of talks are designed to tackle the specific details, which in the past has been a lengthy process,” the source added.