With a strong nudge from President Trump, Israeli and Hamas delegations traveled to the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheik, in Egypt, on October 6th to begin indirect peace talks. The delegations reportedly have agreed on the “first phase” of the negotiations, which allots for a ceasefire, the return of all remaining hostages under Hamas control, and the withdrawal of IDF troops on “an agreed-upon line,” according to a statement from President Trump on Wednesday.
The peace talks have been based on the 20-point proposal that the Trump administration released on Monday, September 29. It calls for, among other things, the establishment of an IDF-controlled buffer line, the disarmament of Hamas, the redevelopment of the Gaza Strip, a hostage-prisoner swap deal, and the exchange of remains of deceased prisoners and fighters.
The Israeli delegation is reportedly led by US-born Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who is the former Israeli ambassador to the US and a close confidant of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Hamas delegation is led by Khalil Al-Hayya, a senior official who was targeted by the Israeli strikes in Qatar last month, and whom Israeli President Isaac Herzog labeled a “murderous terrorist.”
A ceasefire went into effect at 5 AM ET, according to the Israeli military, and hostages are planning to be released either Monday or Tuesday, according to President Trump. 200 troops are being prepared to be sent to the Middle East to ensure the plan’s implementation, but will not be sent into Gaza itself. The IDF is planning to withdraw from the most populated areas of Gaza, including Gaza City, Rafah, etc.
