Delegations from Israel and Hamas launched indirect negotiations in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh on October 6, 2025, mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt. The discussions centre on US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the nearly two-year Gaza war, secure hostage releases, and deliver humanitarian aid. Both sides endorse the proposal’s principles, backed by Arab and Western states, marking the closest push yet for a truce.
Israeli negotiators, including Mossad and Shin Bet officials, Ophir Falk, and Gal Hirsch, arrived Monday. Hamas’ team, led by exiled Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya, who survived an Israeli strike in Doha last month, joined US and Qatari representatives. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Israel’s lead, is expected to arrive later this week.
Trump, who proposed the plan, demanded that it be implemented with urgency. “MOVE FAST—the first phase should be completed this week,” he posted on social media. The initial phase involves hostage-prisoner exchanges and Israeli withdrawal to a “yellow line” in Gaza, where troops stood in August. Hamas seeks guarantees Israel won’t renege post-release.
As critical peace talks between Israel and Hamas get underway in Egypt, President Trump said there is a "really good chance of making a deal." @IanPannell reports. https://t.co/QzCTi776bC pic.twitter.com/rLLoXAIwXO
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) October 7, 2025US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the call. “We’ll know quickly if Hamas is serious,” he told NBC’s Meet the Press. On ABC’s This Week, Rubio stressed, “Talks cannot take weeks—we want this fast.” An official noted a shift from phased deals to a comprehensive agreement up front, avoiding past breakdowns.
Hamas accepted key elements on October 4, including all hostage releases (living and deceased) for Palestinian prisoners and aid surges. However, it deferred issues related to disarmament and governance. Trump hailed it as readiness for “lasting PEACE,” urging Israel to halt bombings. Netanyahu clarified Israel retains control over key areas.
Negotiators tackle withdrawal timelines, disarmament, and a permanent ceasefire. Hamas insists on the end of Israeli occupation and Palestinian state recognition before disarming. A Palestinian source expressed mistrust: “Hamas fears Israel ditches talks after retrieving hostages.”
Read: Hamas-Israel Talks in Egypt Advance Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan Amid Ongoing Strikes
The talks coincide with the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack’s second anniversary, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages—the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. Israel’s response has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, displacing most of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents amid famine and destruction.
Despite optimism, Israeli strikes killed 19 Palestinians in 24 hours, per Gaza health authorities—one-third the recent daily average. Four died seeking aid in the south, five in a Gaza City airstrike. Displaced resident Gharam Mohammad, 20, said, “A deal means survival; without it, it’s a death sentence.”
In Israel, the shekel reached a three-year high, and Tel Aviv stocks hit a peak. Resident Gil Shelly told Reuters, “Trump instilled hope for the first time in months.” Opposition leader Yair Lapid pledged support, vowing not to “torpedo the deal.” Yet, hardliners like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir threaten to undermine the coalition if attacks cease. Smotrich called a halt to a “grave mistake.”
