Pivotal talks between Israel, Hamas start in Egypt on eve of Gaza struggle anniversary

Israeli and Hamas officers launched oblique talks Monday (October 6, 2025) at an Egyptian resort on a US-drafted peace plan to finish the ruinous struggle in Gaza on the eve of its second anniversary.

Many uncertainties stay concerning the plan introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump final week, together with the disarmament of the militant group — a key Israeli demand — and the longer term governance of Gaza.

Mr. Trump has indicated an settlement on Gaza may pave the way in which for a Middle East peace course of that might reshape the area.

Despite Trump ordering Israel to cease the bombing, Israel continued to pound Gaza with airstrikes, killing not less than 19 folks within the final 24 hours, the territory’s Health Ministry mentioned.

An Egyptian official mentioned talks started on the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh Monday (October 6) afternoon. The official spoke on situation of anonymity as a result of he was not authorised to talk publicly concerning the talks.

The Israelis are led by high negotiator Ron Dermer, whereas Khalil al-Hayyah leads the Hamas delegation.

Hamas mentioned negotiations will deal with the primary stage of a ceasefire, together with the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces in addition to the discharge of hostages held by the militants in Gaza in trade for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention.

U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner are additionally anticipated to affix the talks, Egypt’s state-run al-Ahram reported.

This newest push for peace comes after Hamas accepted some components of the U.S. plan that Israel additionally mentioned it supported. Under the plan, Hamas would launch the remaining 48 hostages — about 20 believed to be alive — inside three days. It would surrender energy and disarm.

The talks in Egypt are anticipated to maneuver rapidly. Mr. Netanyahu mentioned they’d be “confined to some days most,” although some Hamas officers have warned extra time could also be wanted to find our bodies of hostages buried underneath rubble.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi hailed Mr. Trump’s efforts.

“A ceasefire, the return of hostages and detainees, the reconstruction of Gaza, and the beginning of a peaceable political course of resulting in the institution and recognition of a Palestinian state imply that we’re on the precise path towards lasting peace and stable stability,” he mentioned.

He underscored the significance of preserving the U.S.-crafted “peace system” within the Middle East for the reason that Nineteen Seventies, which he mentioned “served as a strategic framework for regional stability.” El-Sisi spoke in a televised deal with commemorating the anniversary of the October 6, 1973, struggle with Israel that led to Egypt reclaiming the Sinai Peninsula, the place Sharm el-Sheikh is situated.

US desires Israeli bombing to cease

The U.S. has mentioned Israel’s heavy bombardment of Gaza would wish to cease for the hostages to be launched. Israel says it’s largely heeding Trump’s name. Israel’s navy mentioned it’s largely finishing up defensive strikes to guard troops, although dozens of Palestinians have been killed for the reason that navy’s assertion Saturday evening.

Gaza’s Health Ministry mentioned Monday the our bodies of 19 folks, together with two aid-seekers killed by Israeli strikes and gunfire, had been delivered to hospitals over the previous 24 hours. Another 96 have been wounded. The deaths introduced the Palestinian toll to 67,160 for the reason that Hamas assault on October 7, 2023, triggered the struggle, with practically 170,000 wounded, the Ministry mentioned.

The Ministry is a part of the Hamas-run authorities, and the UN and plenty of impartial consultants take into account its figures to be essentially the most dependable estimate of wartime casualties.

Hamas-led militants kidnapped 251 folks and killed round 1,200, largely civilians, within the October 7 assault. Most of the largely Israeli hostages have been launched in ceasefires or different offers.

Meanwhile, households of Israeli hostages petitioned the Nobel Prize Committee to award the Nobel Peace Prize to Trump for what they known as his unprecedented contributions to international peace.

“At this very second, President Trump’s complete plan to launch all remaining hostages and eventually finish this horrible struggle is on the desk,” the households wrote. “For the primary time in months, we’re hopeful that our nightmare will lastly be over.” In a commemoration ceremony for Israelis killed on the Nir Oz Kibbutz on October 7, Daniel Lifshitz mentioned the first focus of talks must be the swift launch of all remaining hostages.

“Israel pays painful concessions by releasing mass murderers and terrorists that killed many amongst our associates and households right here in Israel, however we cherish life and in Trump we belief to make it occur, and that we’ll have excellent news in 24 to 36 hours,” mentioned Lifshitz, grandson of slain hostage Oded and launched hostage Yocheved Lifshitz.

‘Living in worry, struggle and displacement’ In Gaza, households of Palestinian infants born on the day the struggle started hoped to have a good time their second birthday to the sound of laughter and cheers as a substitute of the cacophony of bombing and bullets.

Mothers’ hope for a standard life has lengthy worn skinny amid repeated displacements, a relentless worry for his or her security and an absence of entry to correct healthcare.

Rola Saqer mentioned the 2 years since giving delivery to daughter Masa have been filled with struggling.

“I hoped [Masa] would develop up with a robust persona, however she is weak. She has suffered malnutrition. The woman has weighed eight kilos [17 pounds] for 5 months now,” she mentioned.

Laundry, a plastic chair and a carpet make up the majority of the household’s possessions of their tent within the Nuseirat refugee camp.

Amal al-Taweel and her husband, Mostafa, had their son Ali after three years of making an attempt for a kid. They now dwell in a tent with out correct sanitation, meals, vaccinations and even toys.

“I used to be envisioning a unique life for him … He couldn’t expertise what a secure household life appears like,” al-Taweel mentioned.