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Initial phase of Gaza talks between the Palestinian group and mediators have ended in Egypt “amid a positive environment”, as reported by Egyptian state-linked media early on the weekday.

An Egyptian news source, affiliated with state intelligence, reported the talks will continue on Tuesday, also between the militant faction and intermediaries in the tourist destination of Sharm El-Sheikh, where an Israeli delegation landed on the previous day.

The Israeli government and the Palestinian faction are anticipated to participate in mediated discussions on the specifics of a proposal by American leader Donald Trump for a captive-detainee swap and extended ceasefire.

Trump’s 20-point plan specifies an immediate ceasefire, an swap of all captives held by Hamas for detainees from Palestine held by Israel, a staged Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the disarmament of the group and the establishment of a interim administration led by an global organization.

Among Hamas’s primary demands since the outset of the conflict has been a complete Israeli withdrawal from the territory in exchange for the freeing of the remaining hostages. And while the Palestinian militant group has signaled its readiness to relinquish governing control, it has repeatedly ruled out disarming.

During this initial stage of negotiations, Middle Eastern intermediaries are collaborating with both sides to establish foundational terms for the release of the remaining 48 Israeli hostages held in the enclave in return for one thousand seven hundred detainees from Palestine held in Israeli jails, and to decide the date of a short-term ceasefire.

These discussions of talks is anticipated to be challenging and complicated, and could continue for several days, according to sources. We will have additional information on the negotiations soon.

These negotiations occur as Israelis across the nation prepare to mark the two-year anniversary of the 7 October Hamas-led attacks on Israel’s southern region, in which approximately twelve hundred people, primarily non-combatants, were slain and two hundred fifty-one taken hostage.

Uncertainty Persists Over Ceasefire Deal

Although there are optimistic indicators about this effort to achieve an conclusion to Israel’s war, there remains uncertainty over whether or not a deal can be secured and, crucially, sustained.

Hamas has in part agreed to Trump’s twenty-point plan, which the Israeli government has agreed to, but there are still significant sticking points that need resolving, including the post-war administration of Gaza, the extent of Israel’s military withdrawal and Hamas’ disarmament.

Mediators have to decide which Palestinian prisoners will be released from prisons in Israel. The representatives from Palestine is expected to ask for prominent leaders, such as the Palestinian leader a well-known detainee, who are highly regarded in the Palestinian territory and Gaza.

Conservative members of the Israeli government have put pressure on to ensure such influential individuals remain behind bars, Israeli media has reported.

A far-right minister, the ultra-conservative public security minister, warned to quit the administration if Hamas still remained after the release of captives, adding another hurdle to already delicate peace talks.