Israel, Hamas start talks on Gaza peace in Egypt

Israeli and Hamas officials launched indirect talks on Monday at an Egyptian resort on a US-drafted peace plan to end the ruinous war in Gaza on the eve of its second anniversary.

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Many uncertainties remain about the plan presented by US President Donald Trump last week, including the disarmament of the group-a key Israeli demand and the future governance of Gaza.

Trump has indicated an agreement on Gaza could pave the way for a Middle East peace process that could reshape the region.

Despite Trump ordering Israel to stop the bombing, Israeli forces continued to pound Gaza with airstrikes, killing at least 19 people in the last 24 hours, the territory's Health Ministry said.

An Egyptian official said talks began on Monday afternoon at the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the talks.

The Israelis are led by top negotiator Ron Dermer, while Khalil Al-Hayyah leads the Hamas delegation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said foreign policy adviser Ophir Falk would be present for Israel, but it was not clear if Dermer had arrived yet.

Egypt's state-owned Al-Qahera News television station reported that the talks began with a meeting between Arab mediators and the Hamas delegation. Mediators will then meet with the Israeli delegation, the station said.