President Trump’s top aides and senior officials from Egypt and Qatar have joined the third day of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas on ending the Gaza War.
By Nathan Morley
Top U.S. envoys and regional officials joined the third day of indirect ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas on Wednesday, as efforts intensified to advance President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza.
The talks, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, began Monday in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh.
Israeli media cited officials expressing “cautious optimism” about the potential for progress.
According to reports, Israeli officials believe Turkey’s involvement — encouraged by President Trump — played a key role in persuading Hamas to engage with the proposal.
A media adviser to Hamas’s political bureau chief said Wednesday the delegation was showing “positivity and responsibility” in working toward a ceasefire agreement.
He added that mediators were making great efforts to remove any obstacles, and that “a spirit of optimism prevails among all.”
The negotiations center on a 20-point plan unveiled by President Trump following his September meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The proposal includes a phased ceasefire-for-hostages exchange, Israeli withdrawal, demilitarization of Gaza, and international oversight of reconstruction and governance — explicitly excluding Hamas from post-conflict administration.
2-year anniversary
Meanwhile, the war in Gaza marked its two-year anniversary on Tuesday.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. Israel’s military response has devastated the Gaza Strip.
According to data released Tuesday by Gaza’s health authorities, 67,173 Palestinians have been killed over the past two years, including 20,179 children, 10,427 women, and 4,813 pensioners.
