US Envoys Join Egypt Talks on Gaza Ceasefire, Hostage Release

U.S. President Donald Trump has actively engaged in efforts to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, dispatching envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Egypt for intensive negotiations. The talks, taking place in Sharm el-Sheikh, focus on implementing a 20-point peace plan proposed by Trump, which includes a gradual Israeli withdrawal and the release of all hostages within 72 hours of a truce's start. Despite progress, Hamas has introduced additional demands such as releasing senior terrorists, securing international guarantees to prevent renewed hostilities, and deploying an Arab security force to restrict Israeli military operations. High-level participants in the negotiations include Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, with Trump expressing optimism about the potential for lasting peace. The ongoing talks reflect a critical diplomatic push by the Trump administration, underscored by Trump’s commitment to ensuring adherence to any agreed ceasefire and the recognition of his efforts by hostage families advocating for a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. Both sides appear cautiously hopeful, with Hamas emphasizing the necessity of binding assurances for a permanent end to hostilities before finalizing an agreement.