Overview

• Hamas officials report an upbeat tone and confirm the exchange of detainee lists under agreed criteria, with talks focused on a cease-fire, prisoner releases and Israeli withdrawal terms.
• U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner took part in Wednesday’s sessions, and a White House official described the negotiations as entering a decisive stage; Egypt’s president invited Trump to attend any signing if a deal is reached.
• Israeli outlets and non-Israeli sources say the first phase could be signed within about two days with hostage releases potentially starting next week, though no final agreement has been announced.
• Core hurdles persist over the scope and sequencing of Israeli redeployments, verification of Hamas disarmament and the inclusion of high-profile prisoners, with Israeli officials signaling Marwan Barghouti will not be freed.
• European and Arab ministers meet in Paris on Thursday to coordinate ‘day after’ plans aligned with the U.S. blueprint, including a stabilization force, transitional governance, humanitarian access and reconstruction.