Desk Report:
The parties concerned will meet in Egypt today to discuss an end to the Israeli war in the Palestinian war-torn territory of Gaza and a prisoner exchange. Before the talks begin, US President Donald Trump has increased pressure. He has called on the parties participating in the talks to move quickly. In his words, steps must be taken now to ensure an end to the war in Gaza and the release of the hostages.
Trump wrote on his social media site Truth Social, “Time is of the essence. Otherwise, there will be a flood of blood – which no one wants to see.”
The peace talks will be held in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. The Israeli delegation is being led by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer in these indirect talks. Hamas’ exiled Gaza chief Khalil al-Haya is also in the talks. US Ambassador Steve Witkoff is also expected to participate.
Tuesday marks the second anniversary of the Israeli attack on Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hopes to announce the release of the hostages held in Gaza soon. Hamas also said on Friday that it would return all hostages, both dead and alive.
In an interview with NBC television, Trump’s Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Hamas had agreed in principle to what would happen in Gaza after the war. However, he warned that the second phase, which would involve Hamas’s disarmament and disbandment, would not be easy. Hamas has previously rejected such proposals.
Rubio added, “We will know very quickly whether Hamas is serious or not. Because the big test in these technical talks is what happens with logistics.”
On Sunday, Trump wrote that he had “very positive discussions” with Hamas. The purpose of the talks was to release the hostages, end the war in Gaza, and most importantly, establish long-desired peace in the Middle East. Trump reiterated that progress is needed now. In his words, “I have been told that the first phase will be completed this week. So I urge everyone to move quickly.”
This first phase will see the release of Palestinian prisoners. In exchange, Hamas will release the remaining 48 hostages. Israel believes that about 20 of them are alive.
In an interview with Reuters, a Palestinian official close to the negotiations said that progress depends on whether Hamas agrees to the withdrawal map that the United States has provided. Trump himself has released a map. In it, he claimed that Israel has already agreed to it. According to the map, Israeli troops will withdraw from Gaza in stages.
Currently, Israeli troops are in about 80 percent of the area in Gaza. They call it a “dangerous war zone.” According to the map, if the first phase is withdrawn, about 55 percent of Gaza will be occupied. In the second phase, it will stand at 40 percent. And in the final phase, a “security buffer zone” would leave about 15 percent of the area under Israeli control.
According to Rubio, this part in particular will be difficult to negotiate. Because there is also a proposal to have an international team to manage Gaza, which will not be easily accepted.
Source: Sky News
