Sharm El Sheikh / Washington:
Two years after the outbreak of the Gaza war on Oct 7, 2023, delegations from Israel and Hamas began indirect negotiations in Egypt on Monday, with hopes of reaching a long-awaited peace agreement. The talks, hosted in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh, come amid mounting international pressure to end the conflict.
In a notable shift, the White House on Monday appeared not to entirely rule out the possibility of recognising a Palestinian state in the future, marking a significant departure from its earlier stance.
The negotiations face several contentious issues, including:
- Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip
- Exchange of prisoners and hostages, including the recovery of bodies buried in conflict zones
- The long-standing Israeli demand for Hamas to disarm, which the group rejects unless Israel ends its occupation and a Palestinian state is established
Trump Urges Swift Progress
Former US President Donald Trump, who is mediating the effort, posted on social media:
“I am told that the first phase should be completed this week, and I am asking everyone to MOVE FAST.”
However, diplomats and insiders caution that a quick deal is unlikely. An official involved in ceasefire planning said Trump’s demand for all hostages to be returned within 72 hours is “impossible to meet,” particularly in the case of deceased hostages whose bodies need to be located and retrieved.
A Palestinian official close to the negotiations expressed scepticism over a breakthrough, citing deep mistrust and concerns that Israel might abandon talks after hostages are recovered.
White House’s Remarkable Shift
During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked whether the US would recognise a Palestinian state if Hamas agreed to cede power to a transitional technocratic government.
“I don’t want to get ahead of the technical talks right now… they’re extremely sensitive,” she said, but added:
“We expect and hope this will be one of the greatest peace deals the world has ever seen. The Trump administration is working diligently to get there.”
This cautious but notable openness has raised hopes that the negotiations may pave the way for a historic shift in the long-standing conflict.
About The Author
