The Hamas movement announced on Wednesday that it has exchanged lists of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners slated for release under a proposed swap agreement. The organization expressed optimism regarding the ongoing discussions in Egypt focused on a plan put forth by former U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at concluding the conflict in Gaza.
The movement stated that the negotiations are primarily centered on establishing a mechanism for ending the conflict, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the prisoner exchange deal.
A Palestinian source close to the negotiations indicated that the two sides have yet to come to an agreement on the timeline for implementing the first phase of Trump’s twenty-point plan during the talks taking place at the Egyptian resort of Sharm El Sheikh.
On Tuesday, Trump expressed his hope for progress toward reaching an agreement, coinciding with the second anniversary of the Hamas-led attack on Israel, which triggered the ensuing conflict in Gaza.
A U.S. team, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—Trump’s son-in-law who served as Middle East envoy during Trump’s first term—will participate in discussions regarding what is being termed the closest plan for concluding the warfare.
However, officials from all parties have urged caution regarding the prospects of swiftly reaching an agreement.
Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is expected to join the discussions later on Wednesday, according to an Israeli official.
Additionally, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, a key mediator, and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin will also participate in the ceasefire negotiations in Sharm El Sheikh today, according to informed sources.
Hamas is advocating for a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the immediate initiation of a thorough reconstruction process overseen by a “national technocratic authority” in Palestine.
Conversely, Israel demands that Hamas disarm, a condition the movement strongly opposes.
U.S. officials indicate that their initial focus is on discussions regarding a ceasefire and the logistical arrangements for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza and Palestinian detainees in Israel.
In the absence of a ceasefire, Israel has persisted with its offensive on Gaza, resulting in increased international isolation.
Global outrage against the Israeli assault has grown, leading to the internal displacement of nearly all of Gaza’s population and triggering a famine crisis. Many human rights experts, scholars, and a United Nations investigative committee argue that this situation constitutes genocide. Israel, on the other hand, characterizes its actions as acts of self-defense in response to the 2023 Hamas attack.