Overview

• Egyptian state-linked media reported the first round concluded in a positive atmosphere, with further meetings set in Sharm el Sheikh between mediators and each side separately.
• Egypt and Qatar are preparing a phased mechanism to exchange all Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners as the operational core of the U.S.-proposed plan.
• Hamas has said it will release all hostages under the framework, while Israeli officials say 48 people remain in captivity, including 20 who are believed alive.
• Major issues still divide the parties, including demands for Hamas to disarm, its exclusion from governing Gaza under the plan, and conditions for an Israeli troop withdrawal.
• Outcomes from the initial sessions will be conveyed to U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as strikes in Gaza continue and local authorities report new fatalities.