Overview

• US, Qatari and Turkish reinforcements are joining the indirect talks in Sharm el‑Sheikh, with Qatar’s prime minister, Turkey’s intelligence chief, and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner expected on site.
• The negotiations follow a Trump plan pairing a ceasefire with phased Israeli withdrawal, a hostage‑for‑prisoner exchange and Hamas disarmament, positions Israel says include keeping forces in much of Gaza.
• Hamas officials say lists of detainees and hostages to be released have been exchanged, calling the mood optimistic as mediators work through sequencing for a truce and swaps.
• Negotiators cite Hamas demands for the release of Marwan Barghouti and roughly 250 prisoners serving life terms, while Israel signals case‑by‑case reviews and exclusions for those tied to the October 7 attacks.
• Israel intercepted an international flotilla bound for Gaza, transferring boats and passengers to an Israeli port for expulsion, as organizers reported at least three vessels stopped and alleged an attack on one ship.