Hamas announced it had submitted lists of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners as part of a potential swap deal being negotiated in Egypt. The talks, held in Sharm el-Sheikh, are centered on implementing the first phase of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan aimed at halting the Gaza war, securing a ceasefire, and facilitating Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza.
The U.S. delegation includes envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while other participants include Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin.
Why It Matters
The discussions mark one of the most serious efforts yet to end the prolonged Gaza conflict. A successful deal could ease a deep humanitarian crisis and potentially shift the diplomatic landscape in the Middle East. However, the core demands of both sides remain far apart: Hamas wants a full ceasefire and reconstruction, while Israel insists on Hamas’ disarmament a key sticking point that could stall progress.
Stakeholders
Hamas: Seeks permanent ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and reconstruction under a technocratic Palestinian body.
Israel: Prioritizes hostage release and Hamas’ disarmament, maintaining its right to self-defense.
United States: Mediating through Trump’s peace plan, with Kushner and Witkoff leading efforts.
Qatar & Turkey: Acting as key mediators with regional influence.
Egypt: Hosting and facilitating the talks in Sharm el-Sheikh.
Civilians in Gaza: Facing massive displacement and starvation due to the ongoing Israeli offensive.
What’s Next
Negotiators are now working to finalize the timing and terms of the first phase of the deal. If progress continues, a temporary ceasefire and initial prisoner exchanges could follow. However, with Israel continuing its offensive and humanitarian pressure mounting, failure to reach consensus soon could deepen Gaza’s devastation and further isolate Israel internationally.
With information from Reuters.
