The first day of the resumed Gaza Peace Talk between Israel and Hamas concluded on a hopeful note in Egypt, raising cautious optimism for progress toward ending the war in Gaza. According to multiple sources, Monday’s discussions in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh were described as “positive,” with negotiators agreeing to continue talks on Tuesday.
The indirect negotiations are part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed 20-point peace plan aimed at halting the conflict and paving the way for long-term stability in the region. Egyptian mediators said both sides had agreed on a roadmap outlining the next steps for discussions on prisoner exchanges, ceasefire arrangements, and humanitarian aid deliveries.
The Hamas delegation, led by senior figures Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin, reportedly expressed concerns over Israel’s continued airstrikes in Gaza, which they said complicate the negotiation process. Both Hamas leaders narrowly survived an assassination attempt in Doha last month that killed five others.
According to Egypt’s state-linked Al-Qahera News, the opening round of the Gaza Peace Talk focused on a potential exchange of prisoners and hostages as a first step toward de-escalation. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump was pushing for an early agreement on this matter to build “momentum” for implementing the broader peace plan.
“The technical teams are working to ensure conditions are right for the release of hostages,” Leavitt said, adding that lists of Israeli hostages and Palestinian political prisoners were being reviewed.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said there was a “really good chance” of reaching a deal but cautioned that his “red lines” remained. “I think we’re doing very well, and Hamas has been agreeing to things that are very important,” he told reporters.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also weighed in, calling Trump’s proposal “an opportunity that must be seized.” He emphasized the need for a “permanent ceasefire and a credible political process” to prevent further loss of life.
The Gaza Peace Talk comes as violence continues on the ground. On Monday alone, at least 10 Palestinians were reportedly killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza, including three civilians seeking aid. Since the war began, more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 169,000 injured, according to humanitarian organizations.
Despite the grim reality, Monday’s discussions have offered a rare glimpse of optimism. With negotiations set to resume, mediators hope this round of the Gaza Peace Talk could mark the beginning of a serious push toward ending one of the world’s longest and deadliest conflicts.
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