✨ Hope shines in Sharm El-Sheikh as Hamas reports that "optimism prevails" in its indirect talks with Israel. After months of fierce conflict in Gaza, both sides are exploring a path toward a ceasefire and a hostage-prisoner swap. 🤞
The discussions are centered on a 20-point peace plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump last month, which calls for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, Hamas’s disarmament, and a phased Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza.
Mediators on site include Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Türkiye’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. According to senior Hamas official Taher al-Nunu, "a spirit of optimism prevails among all parties" as they work to clear obstacles to a truce.
Hamas has submitted a list of Palestinian prisoners it wants released in the first phase of the truce, including high-profile inmates like Marwan Barghouti, often dubbed the “Palestinian Mandela.” In exchange, the group is ready to free 47 hostages seized during the October 7 attack.
Back in Washington, Trump told reporters, "There's a real chance that we could do something … I think there's a possibility that we could have peace in the Middle East."
Hamas’s top negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, stressed the need for guarantees from President Trump and sponsor countries to ensure the war ends once and for all. Talks also covered initial Israeli troop withdrawal maps and a timetable for the hostage-prisoner exchange.
With stakes this high, all eyes are on Sharm El-Sheikh as the world waits to see if optimism can turn into action and bring a lasting pause to the conflict. 🌍
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
