US, Qatar, Turkey Join Gaza Ceasefire Talks in Egypt

High-level negotiations involving Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Turkey's intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, and US representatives including President Donald Trump's special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, are underway in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, aiming to end the Gaza war. These talks are centered on a 20-point peace plan proposed by President Trump, which includes a ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas, disarmament of Hamas, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza with international oversight. Hamas negotiators, led by Khalil Al Hayya, are demanding guarantees from President Trump and the involved countries that the war will end permanently, expressing distrust toward Israel's adherence to ceasefire agreements. The situation remains urgent due to widespread destruction in Gaza, a UN-declared famine, and ongoing international pressure for peace, highlighted by global protests and the interception of aid flotillas by Israel attempting to deliver humanitarian relief. President Trump has expressed optimism about the potential for peace and committed to ensuring compliance if an agreement is reached. The talks represent a critical effort by international mediators to resolve the conflict following years of violence and recent escalations.