Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, October 7(HS): Delegations representing Hamas and Israel commenced indirect negotiations in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh on Monday, aiming to find a resolution to the nearly two-year-long Gaza conflict based on US President Donald Trump’s peace proposal. Facilitated by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, the talks focus on preparing conditions for a prisoner and hostage exchange, alongside achieving a temporary truce and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Despite positive overtures toward the proposal, which envisions the disarmament of Hamas and a technocratic transitional authority overseeing Gaza, negotiators face formidable challenges in reconciling demands. Hamas insists on a role in Gaza’s future governance, while Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledges continued military operations deep inside Gaza until hostages are freed.

The hostage crisis remains central, with 251 taken during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, with 47 still held in Gaza.US envoy Steve Witkoff and former White House advisor Jared Kushner are expected in Egypt to accelerate the diplomatic push, alongside increasing pressure from President Trump to move fast and finalize the initial phase of the plan.

Meanwhile, Israeli air strikes continue amid the talks, with recent strikes killing at least seven Palestinians, underscoring the fragile and violent context within which peace efforts proceed.This pivotal round of negotiations marks an intensified international effort to end one of the longest and deadliest conflicts in the region, with humanitarian organizations standing ready to facilitate aid and the return of hostages once agreements progress.

The world watches closely as both sides seek to navigate a complex path toward de-escalation and lasting peace.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar