US President Donald Trump declared a Gaza peace deal is “very close,” following Hamas’ submission of a hostage swap list during indirect negotiations in Egypt. Speaking at the White House, Trump said, “Negotiations are going along very well. I may go there toward the end of the week.” The talks, mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt in Sharm el-Sheikh, focus on his 20-point plan for ceasefire, hostage releases, and Gaza’s future.
Israeli and US envoys, including Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, and Ron Dermer, joined the discussions on October 7. Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani and Turkey’s spymaster Ibrahim Kalin also participated. Hamas, led by Khalil al-Hayya, handed over lists of hostages and Palestinian prisoners for exchange, expressing optimism.
Trump posted on Truth Social: “MOVE FAST—the first phase should be completed this week.” The initial phase involves releasing 48 hostages (20 believed alive) for 1,950 Palestinian prisoners, including Fatah leader Marwan al-Barghouti and PFLP head Ahmed Saadat, plus Israeli withdrawal to a “yellow line.”
Hamas accepted key elements on October 4, including all hostage releases and aid surges, but deferred disarmament and governance. The group insists on Israeli occupation end and Palestinian state recognition before disarming. A Palestinian source noted “deep gaps” on withdrawal maps and timelines, with Hamas fearing Israel reneges post-release.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “We’ll know quickly if Hamas is serious.” He stressed talks “cannot take weeks.” An official highlighted a shift to a comprehensive deal upfront, avoiding phased breakdowns.
Ongoing Strikes and Global Optimism
Despite progress, Israeli strikes killed 19 Palestinians in 24 hours, per Gaza health authorities—one-third the recent average. Four died seeking aid in the south, five in a Gaza City airstrike. The war, triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack killing 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages, has claimed over 67,000 Palestinian lives, displacing most of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents amid famine.
In Israel, the shekel hit a three-year high, and Tel Aviv stocks peaked. 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.” Hardliners like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir threaten coalition collapse if attacks stop.
Read: Israel-Hamas Indirect Talks in Egypt Advance Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan
Global praise mounted: Foreign Ministers of Qatar, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt welcomed “sincere efforts.” European Council President Antonio Costa and French President Emmanuel Macron urged engagement. Azerbaijan, Russia, Spain, the UK, and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas expressed support.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said talks made “a lot of headway,” predicting a ceasefire if positive. A Paris meeting on October 9 discusses Gaza’s post-war transition.
