Israel-Hamas peace talks enter second day on anniversary of October 7 attack

"The second day of indirect negotiations at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh are focused on a plan proposed by US President Donald Trump last week that aims to bring about an end to the war. After several hours of talks Monday, an Egyptian official with knowledge of the discussions said the parties agreed on most of the first-phase terms, which include the release of hostages and establishing a ceasefire. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private meetings, said the talks resumed on Tuesday afternoon."

""This is beyond Gaza," he said. "Gaza is a big deal, but this is really peace in the Middle East." Egypt's foreign minister Badr Abdelatty told journalists that members of the US delegation would join the talks on Wednesday. Many uncertainties remain, however, including the demand that Hamas disarm and the future governance of Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long said Hamas must surrender and disarm, but Hamas has not yet commented."

"The war began on October 7 2023 when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel and killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251. The devastating war that has ensued has upended global politics, resulted in the deaths of 67,160 Palestinians and nearly 170,000 wounded, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, and left the territory in ruins. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants, but says more than half of the deaths were women and children."

Indirect negotiations at Sharm el-Sheikh focus on a US-proposed plan intended to end the war. Parties reportedly agreed on most first-phase terms, including hostage releases and a ceasefire, and talks resumed. The proposal has broad international backing and was described by President Trump as having a "really good chance" of a lasting deal. The plan envisions Hamas disarming, Israeli troop withdrawal after disarmament, deployment of an international security force, and international governance overseen by Trump and Tony Blair. Major uncertainties remain over enforcing disarmament and Gaza's long-term governance amid heavy casualties and destruction.

Read at Irish Independent