Egypt — Israel and Hamas have begun indirect talks in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh, a new attempt to end nearly two years of conflict in Gaza. The negotiations, brokered by the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, started Monday evening and are expected to continue on Tuesday.
Two years ago, Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel that killed around 1,200 people, including 10 Nepali nationals, and took 251 hostages into Gaza. Of those, 48 are still believed to be held, with about 20 thought to be alive. The anniversary of that attack has now coincided with renewed diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire and free the remaining hostages.
Trump’s 20-Point Peace Plan
U.S. President Donald Trump has outlined a 20-point peace proposal aimed at halting the war, releasing hostages, and rebuilding Gaza. He first presented the plan at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, before discussing it with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
Trump said Netanyahu supported the proposal, which calls for an immediate ceasefire and the creation of a “Board of Peace” to oversee reconstruction and temporary administration in Gaza.
Key points include:
An immediate halt to all air and ground operations.
A hostage exchange within 72 hours, freeing 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 detainees arrested after October 7, 2023.
Repatriation of bodies — for every deceased Israeli hostage, 15 Palestinian bodies would be returned.
Establishment of a technocratic Palestinian committee to govern Gaza under international supervision.
Oversight by a Board of Peace chaired by Trump, including figures such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Demilitarization of Hamas and other armed groups, including the destruction of tunnels and weapons factories.
Deployment of a multinational International Stability Force (ISF) to maintain order and train local police.
Creation of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to support reconstruction and employment.
Hamas Response and Humanitarian Outlook
According to CNN, Hamas has shown partial agreement to the proposal but rejected clauses that require disarmament and exclusion from governance. These points are expected to dominate Tuesday’s discussions as mediators push to narrow the remaining differences.
Egypt’s state news agency Al Qahera News reported that the talks are moving in a “positive direction,” though diplomats warn that deep mistrust persists. Even if a deal is reached, implementation will be difficult — from ensuring the safe release of hostages to rebuilding Gaza’s devastated infrastructure.
Aid groups have urged both sides to allow unrestricted humanitarian access, warning that civilians in Gaza face severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Thousands remain displaced, and hospitals are struggling to operate amid fuel and electricity shortages.
The Sharm El-Sheikh negotiations mark one of the most serious efforts in years to end the Gaza war. Whether they succeed will depend on whether both sides — and their international partners — can bridge the divide between political commitments and real progress on the ground. Even a limited agreement could signal the first real step toward peace, stability, and recovery in Gaza after years of loss.
