US Envoy Heads to Egypt for Ceasefire Negotiations
After two days of indirect talks focused on finalizing a ceasefire plan under President Donald Trump’s 20-point framework, US special envoy Steve Witkoff, along with Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, is heading to Egypt to spearhead the US efforts.
This peace proposal includes various components including Israel’s withdrawal, disarming Hamas, the release of hostages, and creating a transitional governing body for Gaza. It seems, however, that while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is open to some aspects of the plan, Hamas is particularly opposed to the disarmament stipulations. Netanyahu has made it clear that any agreement that would allow Hamas to stay in control of Gaza is unacceptable.
Witkoff and Kushner are expected in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where they will assist in facilitating the ceasefire discussions. They will be joined by a senior Qatari official, who previously served as a Trump administration adviser.
Qatar’s team includes Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani and Ron Dermer, who leads Israel’s negotiating contingent and has strong ties to Netanyahu.
Reports suggest that the Hamas delegation is led by Khalil al-Khayya, a senior official who has been an influential figure in earlier talks and continues to play a significant role now.
Hamas is purportedly asking for a range of guarantees, including assurances of a sustained ceasefire, in exchange for the release of 48 hostages taken on October 6, 2023. It’s believed that around 20 of those hostages are still alive, although the exact figure remains uncertain.
Netanyahu has reiterated that the conflict will only conclude once all hostages are released and Hamas is disarmed.
