Efforts to reach a resolution in the Gaza conflict received a significant boost as key officials from Israel and the United States engaged in negotiations following Hamas’s submission of lists detailing hostages and Palestinian prisoners for potential release in a swap.
With U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan showing promise in bringing an end to the war, delegations intensified their involvement in the indirect discussions that commenced in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday.
Expressing optimism, Trump mentioned that a deal was nearing completion and hinted at a possible visit to the Middle East over the weekend if an agreement is finalized.
“I believe it’s likely to happen, with a good chance of success,” he stated during a White House event after being briefed by his team in Egypt.
Among the participants were Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, special envoy Steve Witkoff, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, who has a history of mediating in the region, according to Egyptian sources.
Rubio’s Prudent Approach
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio adopted a more cautious stance compared to Trump.
Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill before Trump’s remarks, Rubio acknowledged positive developments but stressed the need for further progress. He highlighted past disappointments and the work that still lies ahead.
However, Rubio later passed a note to Trump during the same White House event, hinting at positive developments. Photographers captured the message on White House stationery urging Trump to approve a social media post related to the potential deal.
In response, Trump declared, “We’re on the brink of a breakthrough in the Middle East.”
Simultaneously, a meeting is scheduled in Paris on Thursday, involving Arab and other nations, to address Gaza’s post-war transition, with potential representation from Washington, according to diplomatic sources.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed optimism about the progress made in negotiations between Israel and Hamas, suggesting a ceasefire could be imminent if talks continue positively.
However, critical details, such as the timeline, post-war governance of Gaza, and the fate of Hamas, are yet to be finalized.
According to Gaza authorities, over 67,000 individuals have perished, and significant destruction has occurred in the enclave since Israel’s military response to the Palestinian militant group’s attack two years ago. Israeli officials reported 1,200 casualties and 251 hostages taken back to Gaza, with 20 hostages still believed to be alive.
Hamas expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations after submitting lists of hostages and Palestinian prisoners for potential exchange.
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