Summary
Israel and Hamas have started indirect discussions in Egypt about a U.S. peace plan backed by President Donald Trump to end the conflict in Gaza. The talks are focused on a potential deal involving the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Several officials, including Trump's advisor Jared Kushner, are participating in the talks.
Key Facts
- The talks are taking place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
- The peace plan aims to stop the fighting and free 48 hostages, with only 20 believed to be alive.
- Egypt and Qatar are mediating between Israel and Hamas.
- The negotiations coincide with the second anniversary of a Hamas attack on southern Israel that led to the current conflict.
- President Trump has called for quick action and proposed humanitarian aid to Gaza if the plan is accepted.
- The plan suggests Hamas should not govern Gaza but supports the idea of a Palestinian state, which Israel's Prime Minister opposes.
- Hamas has agreed to part of the plan but has not agreed to disarm or a complete governance change.
- U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Qatar's foreign minister are attending the talks.
