Overview

• Israel and Hamas delegations are heading to Cairo for indirect talks, with U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff joining under Egyptian mediation.
• Trump says Israel agreed to an initial withdrawal line and that a ceasefire, along with a hostage–prisoner exchange, will begin immediately after Hamas confirms acceptance of the U.S. plan.
• Hamas signaled approval of elements of the 20-point proposal and readiness to release all 48 remaining hostages, while seeking further negotiations and remaining noncommittal on disarmament.
• Netanyahu ordered negotiators to finalize technical details and said he hopes to announce the hostages’ return during Sukkot, as Israel shifts to a defensive posture but continues strikes reported to have caused new casualties.
• Key gaps persist over Hamas’s demilitarization, Israeli withdrawal lines and security arrangements, and domestic political pressure in Israel and warnings from hostage families underscore the stakes for a narrow negotiating window.