SHARM EL SHEIKH ( The COW News Digital) Diplomatic efforts to halt the devastating conflict in Gaza and secure the release of hostages are set to enter a critical phase today, as indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel begin in Egypt.
The talks, hosted in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, will include delegations from both sides, with U.S. representation by President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Wotkow. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed its delegation’s departure for Egypt, while Hamas’s team, led by Khalil al-Hayya, has already arrived in Cairo.
Central to the discussions will be the release of hostages, a potential Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, and the framework for a lasting ceasefire. In a statement, President Trump expressed optimism, saying he believed those held captive in Gaza would “soon be released” as negotiations had reached a decisive stage. He added that a final agreement would not require “significant flexibility,” since all sides were largely aligned on key points.
Meanwhile, Arab media reported that Hamas may be willing to disarm under international supervision, though concerns remain over specific provisions, which are expected to be debated during today’s meeting.
However, Israeli military leadership has struck a more cautious tone. Army Chief Herzi Halevi warned that “the operation in Gaza has not ended” and insisted that no ceasefire is in place yet. He stressed that Israel’s forces remain fully prepared to resume combat operations if diplomatic efforts collapse.
The talks mark one of the most consequential diplomatic pushes since the war began, raising hopes for a breakthrough after weeks of bloodshed. Yet, with both military threats and political distrust still looming, the path to peace remains uncertain.
