Israel and Hamas have initiated indirect talks in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, aimed at addressing the release of detainees as part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to end the conflict in Gaza. The European Union expressed its interest in participating in a transitional authority in the region, while the International Committee of the Red Cross indicated its readiness to mediate and assist in the return of detainees and prisoners to their families.
Negotiations have begun in Sharm El Sheikh between delegations from Hamas and Israel concerning the release of detainees in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. A Palestinian source familiar with the discussions reported that Hamas anticipates challenging and complex negotiations. According to Cairo News Channel, indirect sessions between the Palestinian and Israeli delegations have started, with Egyptian and Qatari mediators working on establishing a mechanism for the release of all detainees in exchange for prisoners. A Palestinian official involved in the talks noted that discussions would focus on a temporary ceasefire to create suitable ground conditions before transitioning to a permanent halt, alongside Israeli withdrawal and a prisoner exchange process. The official indicated that this round of negotiations might extend over several days, anticipating complexities in the talks given Israel’s intention to continue military operations.
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem Al-Budaiwi, emphasized the centrality of the Palestinian issue, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and an unobstructed provision of humanitarian aid throughout the area. During the 29th joint ministerial meeting of the GCC and the EU in Kuwait, Al-Budaiwi condemned the Israeli aggression towards Qatar, labeling it a blatant violation of international law, and affirmed the GCC’s solidarity with Qatar, stating that the security of member states is indivisible according to the mutual defense agreement. He praised Saudi and French efforts to promote a political solution towards a two-state resolution and expressed support for Trump’s plan to end the conflict in Gaza, backing all international endeavors aimed at addressing the humanitarian catastrophe there.
Additionally, EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, announced the EU’s desire to engage in the transitional authority in Gaza. In response to inquiries regarding the EU’s potential involvement in the Peace Council, Kallas said, “Yes, we believe that Europe has a significant role and should be part of it,” noting the EU’s position as a primary donor of aid to Palestinians, and its connections with both the Palestinian Authority and Israel. Speaking on the sidelines of a meeting between the EU and the GCC in Kuwait, she remarked, “I believe Europe should not only be a donor but an active participant as well… We have worked on the peace plan and are collaborating with our Arab partners, who recognize that our presence benefits everyone. Therefore, we hope the Israelis will agree to that as well.”
In a related development, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi lauded Trump’s Gaza plan, stating in a speech commemorating the October War: “I can only express my admiration and appreciation for President Trump’s initiative to facilitate a ceasefire in Gaza… A ceasefire, the return of captives, the rebuilding of Gaza, and the commencement of a peaceful political process leading to the establishment and recognition of a Palestinian state signify that we are on the right path towards enduring peace and stability.”
A government spokesperson in Germany reported that Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke by phone with Israeli President Isaac Herzog yesterday, expressing hopes for an agreement on the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza within the coming days. The spokesperson stated that the discussions in Egypt should lead to a rapid agreement, urging Hamas to disarm. Concurrently, the International Committee of the Red Cross announced its readiness to serve as a neutral mediator to assist in the exchange of prisoners and detainees between Israel and Hamas. The committee’s president, Mirjana Spoljaric, stated: “We are also prepared to deliver aid to Gaza and distribute it safely to the civilians who desperately need it.”
Meanwhile, the Forum of Families of Israeli Hostages and Missing Persons has called for Trump to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East. The forum sent a message to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, stating that Trump has made what was deemed impossible, possible. They urged, “We strongly recommend awarding President Trump the Nobel Peace Prize, as he pledged that he would not rest until every hostage is returned home… Right now, there is a comprehensive plan from President Trump regarding the release of all remaining hostages and the resolution of this horrific war, which is on the table.” The forum contended that no leader or organization has pushed for peace globally in the past months more than Trump.
In terms of casualties, the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported that 21 Palestinians were killed and 96 others injured within the last 24 hours due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes across various areas of the Gaza Strip. The ministry stated in a release that among the deceased, two were retrieved from the rubble, while rescue teams and civil defense services remain unable to reach numerous victims trapped under debris and in the streets because of ongoing bombardment and lack of resources. According to the statement, the total number of casualties in the region since October 7, 2023, has risen to 67,160, with injuries totaling 169,679.