Ceasefire talks begin in Egypt as Trump says “We’re close to a deal” on Gaza

Efforts to end the two-year war between Israel and Hamas have entered a decisive phase as ceasefire talks began in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday.

The negotiations, based on President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, are being conducted indirectly, with mediators shuttling between the two sides. Trump said the atmosphere was “positive” and that Hamas had made “important concessions.”

Two years after the war began

The talks coincide with the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and saw more than 250 people taken hostage.

In the ensuing war, over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, and the enclave’s infrastructure has been devastated.

A UN inquiry recently concluded that Israel committed genocide in Gaza — an accusation Israel has firmly denied.

Indirect negotiations under tight security

According to Egyptian state media, the delegations are not meeting face-to-face. Instead, mediators from the U.S., Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey are engaging in shuttle diplomacy.

The first phase of talks focuses on the release of 48 remaining Israeli hostages — about 20 believed to be alive — in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

Trump’s 20-point plan also calls for a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the creation of an International Stabilization Force, and the formation of an interim administration to govern the territory.

Trump: “This is about more than Gaza — it’s peace in the Middle East”

Speaking to reporters at the White House, President Trump said he believes “a real and lasting peace deal” is within reach.

“We have a very good chance of making a deal. It’s beyond Gaza — this is really peace in the Middle East,” he said.

Trump also warned both sides to “move fast” or risk further bloodshed.

Israel marks October 7 without official ceremony

While Israel commemorates the second anniversary of the Hamas attacks, the official state remembrance ceremony will not take place until October 16, corresponding to the 24th of Tishrei on the Hebrew calendar.

Civil groups and survivors’ associations are organizing local memorials, including a concert by the nonprofit KUMU, made up of survivors from southern Israel.

In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged students not to attend pro-Palestinian demonstrations on the anniversary, calling such protests “un-British” and warning against “rising antisemitism on our streets.”

Aid organizations on standby

The United Nations said humanitarian teams in Gaza are “ready to move immediately” should a ceasefire be approved.

The International Committee of the Red Cross also expressed readiness to mediate the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees.

A fragile hope after two years of war

The current round of talks follows a tense period in which Israel reportedly targeted Hamas’s lead negotiators in Qatar last month.

Diplomatic sources say both parties now show “a genuine willingness” to reach a compromise.

However, several key issues remain unresolved — including Hamas’s disarmament, the future governance of Gaza, and Israel’s withdrawal timeline.