Overview

• Negotiators met in Sharm el‑Sheikh, with Egyptian state‑linked media describing the first session as “positive” and talks set to run for three days.
• Hamas says any agreement must include a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, and it has asked Egypt to provide enforcement guarantees.
• The discussions are structured around Trump’s 20‑point proposal linking a ceasefire to the release of all hostages, Hamas disarmament and a phased Israeli pullout, with a U.S. team led by envoy Steve Witkoff expected to join Wednesday.
• Qatar says results could emerge in the coming days, while Israeli positions remain tied to security requirements and disarmament benchmarks.
• Israel held commemorations for the Oct. 7, 2023 attack as Gaza’s reported death toll surpassed 67,000 and about 47 hostages remain in the enclave, with the Israeli military saying roughly 25 are believed dead.