Sharm el‑Sheikh Talks Aim to Free Hostages

Hamas and Israeli delegations convened in Sharm el‑Sheikh, Egypt, for U.S.-backed talks aimed at halting the nearly two-year Gaza war and securing the release of hostages under former President Trump’s 20‑point roadmap, with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner involved. Gaza faces catastrophic humanitarian conditions—health authorities report more than 67,000 Palestinians killed and most of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents displaced, hungry, and homeless. Talks are deeply fraught: Israel and the U.S. demand Hamas disarm and be barred from future governing roles, while Hamas says disarmament requires an end to occupation and a Palestinian state; Hamas has signaled willingness to discuss a technocratic transitional administration and prisoner‑for‑hostage swaps. The Hamas delegation is led by exiled Gaza leader Khalil al‑Hayya and Israel’s team includes Mossad and Shin Bet officials, with Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer expected to join later. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a hostage return could be announced during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot though no deal is final, and regional and U.S. ministers called the developments a “real opportunity” even as outside observers and U.S. politicians warned negotiations will take time and not end the war; U.S. domestic political disputes have also intruded on the process.