Gaza Peace Talks Kick Off in Egypt Amid Tensions
All eyes are on Egypt as indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel on the war in Gaza are set to begin on Monday, with the US and Israel pushing for the swift release of hostages.
The talks come after Hamas agreed to some parts of a 20-point US peace plan, including releasing hostages and handing over Gaza governance to Palestinian technocrats, but is seeking negotiations on other issues.
The group's response did not mention the key demands of disarmament and the cessation of its governance over Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza despite President Donald Trump's call for Israel to immediately stop the bombing following Hamas's responses to the proposed plan.
Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian stated, while certain bombings have actually stopped inside of the Gaza Strip, there's no ceasefire in place at this point in time. Bedrosian also emphasized Prime Minister Netanyahu's orders for defensive responses if Israeli lives are threatened.
Reports indicate that Israeli strikes and tank fire have continued through the night, leading to significant destruction in Gaza City. The Hamas-run health ministry reported that another 65 people were killed in the recent military operations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted that bombings must cease for hostages to be released. Following this, the 20-point plan proposed an immediate end to fighting and the release of 48 hostages, with only 20 believed to be alive, in exchange for hundreds of detained Gazans.
The negotiations are anticipated to be pivotal, potentially dictating the future of the conflict. As various Palestinian officials noted, Hamas's engagement without its typical preconditions signals significant external pressures.
As the talks unfold, many Gazans worry that prolonging the conflict may lead to further loss and displacement. The region now awaits the outcome, hopeful yet cautious as negotiations move forward.
With the world watching, Egypt serves as the stage for this critical chapter in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
