Israel and Hamas begin indirect talks as hopes rise of ending Gaza conflict

Israel and Hamas have begun indirect talks in Egypt on a US ceasefire proposal amid cautious optimism that the two-year war in Gaza may be nearing its end, despite deep divisions between the two sides.

- William Christou

Negotiations will focus on the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, as well as the partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. The issues constitute the first phase of a 20-point plan presented by the US president, Donald Trump, last week that aims to end the war.

Though crucial points still need to be negotiated, Hamas's acceptance of a hostage release and the relinquishing of power in Gaza has renewed momentum behind peace talks.

Trump on Sunday described the talks in a post on social media as "very successful and proceeding rapidly" and said he expected the first phase would be completed this week.

The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said he expected the talks to last just a few days and that he hoped he could announce the release of all Israeli hostages in the coming days.

Despite the optimism, large gaps remain between Hamas and Israel. The Trump plan is large in scope but scant on details, and important points of the proposal still need to be discussed.

The talks yesterday began with a meeting between Arab mediators and the Palestinian delegation, after which mediators were due to meet the Israeli delegation. Egyptian and Qatari mediators were then expected to discuss both sets of talks before meeting the US envoy Steve Witkoff, according to Egyptian media.