Sharm El‑Sheikh Talks Seek Gaza Hostage Deal

Delegations from Israel, Hamas and the US — including Israel’s Ron Dermer and US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff — convened in Sharm El‑Sheikh, Egypt, to negotiate a 20‑point U.S. plan aimed at a ceasefire and rapid prisoner‑hostage exchanges. Hamas signalled conditional acceptance of parts of the proposal, notably agreeing in principle to release hostages but leaving disarmament, withdrawal timetables and broader Palestinian representation subject to further talks. Khalil al‑Hayya, a senior Hamas negotiator, made a rare televised appearance and is reported to be taking part in shuttle diplomacy. President Donald Trump praised the talks while warning Hamas it faces "complete obliteration" if it refuses to cede power; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered more cautious support. Fighting has continued on the ground, and observers say major political questions and implementation guarantees remain unresolved, so a durable end to the war is not yet assured.