U.S. And Israel Arrive In Egypt For Gaza Talks

CAIRO, Oct 8 (Reuters) – Talks to end the war in Gaza were strengthened on Wednesday when senior figures from Israel and the United States arrived after Hamas handed over a list of hostages and Palestinian prisoners to be released through swaps.

Delegations were increasing their presence at talks that began Monday in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, as President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan appears closer to stopping the war than previous efforts.

Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Sharm el-Sheikh, sources familiar with the talks said, and an Israeli official said Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was also there.

They were expected to attend the talks along with Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani, who has been a long-time mediator.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said “great progress” had been made in indirect negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas and that a ceasefire would be declared if a positive result was reached.

Trump also expressed optimism about progress toward the deal on Tuesday, diplomatic sources said, and European, Arab and other states will meet in Paris on Thursday to discuss Gaza’s post-war transition, with Washington likely to be represented as well.

However, important details such as timing, post-war governance of the Gaza Strip and the fate of Hamas have not yet been revealed.

Gaza officials say more than 67,000 people have been killed and much of the area destroyed since Israel began its military response to a Hamas offensive two years ago. According to Israeli officials, approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 people were taken hostage and taken back to Gaza. 20 of the 48 hostages are believed to be still alive.

Hamas said it had handed over lists of hostages and Palestinian prisoners to be exchanged and was optimistic about the talks so far.

The list of Palestinians whom Hamas wants to see freed is expected to include some of the most prominent prisoners ever imprisoned by Israel, whose release was prohibited under previous ceasefires.

According to a Palestinian source close to the talks, the list also includes Marwan al-Barghouti, one of the leaders of the Fatah movement, and Ahmed Saadat, leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Both are serving multiple life sentences for their involvement in attacks that killed Israelis.

Hamas said indirect talks have so far focused on three issues: stopping the fighting, withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza and a swap agreement.

The group has so far refused to discuss Israel’s demand that Hamas lay down its weapons. The Palestinian source said that Hamas will reject this demand as long as Israeli troops occupy Palestinian lands.

Two sources familiar with the talks confirmed that Israel’s withdrawal mechanism was also among the sticking points, with Hamas seeking a clear timeline for the release of hostages and guarantees of a full withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Israel reduced its military operations in Gaza on Trump’s orders, but did not completely stop the attacks. The Israeli army said its forces killed several militants who were on their way to attack Israeli soldiers in Gaza City, Gaza’s main urban centre.

Gaza health officials reported eight deaths in Israeli attacks in the last 24 hours; This was the lowest death toll in weeks. Last month, as Israeli forces advanced towards Gaza City, daily death rates were nearly 10 times higher.

“We hope from God that the ceasefire will be realized as soon as possible, because people cannot stand the pain anymore,” said Jihad al-Shagnobi, whose house was destroyed in Gaza City’s Sabra district.

Another participant in the talks will be Turkish intelligence chief İbrahim Kalın, who noted the increasing role of Türkiye, a NATO member with close contacts with Hamas. President Tayyip Erdogan said Trump asked Türkiye to help persuade Hamas to accept the deal.

Trump’s plan calls for an international body led by Trump and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to play a role in the post-war administration of Gaza. Arab countries that support the plan say it should lead to the eventual independence of the Palestinian state, which Netanyahu says will never happen.

There is no clear indication of who will rule Gaza when the war ends. Netanyahu, Trump and Western and Arab states have denied any role for Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since expelling its Palestinian rivals in 2007.

Hamas has said it will leave administration of Gaza solely to a Palestinian technocrat government controlled by the Palestinian Authority and supported by Arab and Muslim countries. He denies any involvement by Blair or foreign rule of Gaza.

Global outrage over Israel’s attack has increased. Many human rights experts, academics and UN investigations say this amounts to genocide. Israel describes its actions as self-defense after the 2023 Hamas attack.