Efforts to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza entered a critical phase on Sunday, with a Hamas delegation arriving in Cairo for indirect negotiations with Israel. The talks, which follow increasing international pressure, aim to bring an end to the war, secure the release of captives, and lay the groundwork for a sustainable ceasefire.
Foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Indonesia, and Pakistan have voiced their backing for US President Donald Trump’s plan, which calls for a comprehensive ceasefire, the exchange of prisoners, and the launch of talks on implementation mechanisms. The proposal has gained wide Arab and international support, underscoring the urgency of resolving the crisis.
Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas’s leader in Gaza, is heading the delegation, which arrived in Cairo for its first mission since surviving an assassination attempt in Doha last month. According to Hamas officials, the delegation will split into two teams: one focused on indirect talks with Israel regarding prisoners and the cessation of hostilities, and the other on Palestinian reconciliation efforts aimed at resolving internal divisions.
Sources close to Hamas indicated that the initial focus of the talks will be the prisoner exchange and establishing necessary guarantees, stressing the importance of securing a ceasefire as discussions begin. The movement has reiterated its firm opposition to any form of international administration for Gaza, emphasizing Arab support for its stance and backing for the “Support Committee” previously endorsed by the Arab League.
Egyptian authorities have bolstered security for the Hamas delegation, deploying enhanced protection and signal-jamming systems near meeting venues. The talks are scheduled to begin on Monday in Sharm El-Sheikh and will initially address “technical” issues, with Egyptian and Qatari mediators facilitating indirect messages between the parties.
A senior Hamas official told AFP that the movement is “very keen” to reach an agreement and begin a prisoner exchange “under field conditions.” The official urged Israel not to block the implementation of Trump’s plan and called for an immediate halt to military operations, as well as the withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza City to create the necessary conditions for negotiations.
Despite diplomatic momentum, Israel continued its aerial bombardment of Gaza, which remains in ruins from the ongoing conflict. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that the death toll has risen to 67,139, with over 169,000 injured. More than 90% of the enclave has been destroyed, and over 200,000 tonnes of explosives have been dropped. The destruction includes 38 hospitals and nearly all schools, with 2,700 families wiped out and 460 people dying from hunger and malnutrition.
Pope Leo, speaking from Rome, expressed hope that “current steps will lead to positive results soon,” urging for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johann Vadevol called for a “coordinated international effort” to implement Trump’s plan, expressing optimism that both sides were prepared to take steps toward ending the conflict.
In Washington, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed Hamas’s acceptance of the framework as a “significant achievement,” noting the “enormous international pressure” on the group. President Trump stated he would soon determine whether Hamas is genuinely committed to the deal, warning that he would “eliminate Hamas completely” if it refuses. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he said, is “ready to end the bombing.”
Israeli Defence Minister Yisrael Katz noted that “the first stage of Trump’s plan could soon lead to the return of our captives” but warned that the military is “prepared for any scenario” and would resume airstrikes if Hamas rejects the deal.
