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Indirect talks are currently ongoing between Israeli and Hamas negotiating teams in Egypt, with the US urging both sides to reach a peace agreement.
Mediators from the US, Egypt, and Qatar are in Sharm El-Sheikh working to facilitate a deal. US President Donald Trump has called for swift progress and stated that final details are being worked out by the two sides.
Israel has accepted the US's 20-point peace plan, while Hamas has agreed to some parts but not all. Though the closest the two sides have come to an agreement, significant issues still need to be resolved.
Negotiations are expected to continue tomorrow, coinciding with the two-year anniversary of the 7 October attacks. Additionally, today, Israel deported 171 activists, including Greta Thunberg, who had attempted to deliver aid to Gaza by sea.
One aspect of the talks involves creating a list of Palestinian prisoners to be released, with 250 life sentence prisoners expected to be included. Agreeing on the names is challenging due to security concerns for Israel and the prisoners' significance to Hamas.
The talks aim to achieve an agreement that can be implemented promptly, as requested by President Trump.
At the White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed ongoing "technical talks" in Egypt. She emphasized the President's desire for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, stating that negotiations are underway.
Leavitt refrained from setting a specific timeline and highlighted the recent agreement on a 20-point framework by Israel, Hamas, and other countries. She also avoided commenting on potential US recognition of a Palestinian state.
Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter expressed hope that the indirect talks between Israel and Hamas will lead to the return of hostages and pave the way for peace. He emphasized the importance of eliminating Hamas for Palestinian freedom.
Palestinian-American businessman Bishara Bahbah, currently engaging with senior Hamas officials, suggested that Hamas may make further concessions. He mentioned ongoing talks between Hamas and Israel to determine the terms of releasing hostages.
Polls indicate that around 70% of Israelis are eager for the conflict to end in exchange for the hostages' release. Families of the hostages have been actively advocating for their return and have even nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Negotiations between Israeli and Hamas negotiators have commenced in Sharm El-Sheikh, focusing on implementing Trump's proposed peace plan for Gaza.
This week's discussions will concentrate on the initial phase of the peace plan, specifically the release of remaining Israeli hostages and the exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Logistics, such as the transfer process and involvement of the Red Cross, are key considerations.
Greta Thunberg, recently deported from Israel, arrived in Greece and condemned the situation in Gaza as a "genocide." She urged international action to end the violence and criticized governments for their inaction.
Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas have started in Egypt, representing the closest point to a deal since the conflict began. The 20-point peace plan, accepted in part by both sides, remains a framework with significant unresolved issues.
Israel has deported numerous activists, including Greta Thunberg, who attempted to deliver aid to Gaza by sea. The interceptions of aid vessels by Israeli forces have sparked international attention and criticism.
Israel's actions in intercepting the aid vessels have been met with accusations of illegality and desperation by the activists involved. Israel cited security concerns and a naval blockade as reasons for its actions.
Israeli forces have deported activists from various countries, with ongoing tensions surrounding the aid deliveries to Gaza. The interceptions have drawn contrasting views on the legality and necessity of Israel's responses.