Sharm el‑Sheikh Talks Reach First‑Phase Agreement

On the two‑year anniversary of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, indirect talks between Israel and Hamas resumed in Sharm el‑Sheikh under U.S., Egyptian and Qatari mediation and were described by officials as “positive.” Reports say most first‑phase terms — including a temporary ceasefire and releases of hostages — were largely agreed, with the Trump framework calling for a large prisoner‑for‑hostage exchange, an Israeli pullback, international security forces and interim international governance of Gaza. The exchange reportedly involves lists of hundreds of Palestinian detainees; Israel says about 48 hostages remain in Gaza, roughly 20 believed alive. Negotiations are proceeding amid ongoing Israeli strikes and severe humanitarian devastation in Gaza, including tens of thousands of deaths and massive displacement. Despite apparent progress, major hurdles remain over Hamas disarmament, exact prisoner lists and implementation logistics, and regional actors, the U.N. and Egypt have backed the framework while warning of substantial diplomatic and logistical challenges.