Indirect Israel-Hamas talks to begin in Egypt on Trump’s Gaza peace plan

New Delhi, Oct 6: Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas begin today in Egypt, in what diplomats say is the closest both sides have come to a deal since the war began, according to BBC and CNN.

The negotiations are based on U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which Israel has fully endorsed and Hamas has partly accepted. The plan, described as a “framework” only a few pages long, outlines steps toward a ceasefire and a longer-term political arrangement for Gaza, but leaves several core disputes unresolved, reports international media.

Among the key sticking points aa described by the BBC are:

Hamas has agreed in principle to the exchange mechanism outlined in the plan, provided certain “field conditions” are met. However, as hostages remain its primary bargaining chip, it remains unclear whether the group would release them before other parts of the deal are finalised.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that disarmament is non-negotiable, saying he will not halt military operations until Hamas is neutralised. Hamas’s response to the U.S. plan notably omitted any reference to disarmament, suggesting its position remains unchanged.

The plan envisions a temporary transitional administration led by Palestinian technocrats with international involvement, before eventual transfer to the Palestinian Authority (PA). Netanyahu has strongly opposed PA involvement, arguing it should play no role in post-war governance.

The proposed three-phase withdrawal is vaguely worded and lacks a clear timeline for complete Israeli disengagement, an issue Hamas is expected to press in the talks.

Diplomatic sources told CNN that Egyptian and Qatari mediators will shuttle between delegations in Cairo, with the United States observing the process. While expectations remain cautious, officials describe the talks as a “critical test” of whether the warring parties can move from framework to concrete agreement.

The Hamas delegation is supposed to be led by senior official Khalil al-Hayya, who survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Qatar last month that killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer.

Israel’s team is to be headed by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, while Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani represents Doha,  a key mediator in past ceasefire efforts. The United States is represented by Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and former senior adviser, media reported.

On Sunday night, Trump posted a series of messages on Truth Social urging negotiators to accelerate the process. “I am asking everyone to move fast,” he wrote. “Time is of the essence or massive bloodshed will follow – something that nobody wants to see.” He added that “very positive discussions” were “proceeding rapidly,” and claimed Hamas appeared “ready for a lasting peace.” Trump also called on Israel to “immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly.” Despite the diplomatic momentum, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continued overnight, underscoring the fragile and volatile context in which the negotiations are taking place.