Overview

• Officials said the first round ended in a positive atmosphere with a roadmap and timetable, and sessions resumed Tuesday in Sharm El Sheikh.
• An Israeli security official said negotiations will open with hostage releases and that forces will initially withdraw only to the Gaza ‘yellow line’ set in the U.S. plan.
• Hamas negotiators voiced doubts over Israel’s adherence to a permanent cease-fire and demanded guarantees, cessation of strikes and surveillance, and conditions to locate and hand over hostages.
• Egypt’s foreign minister said the agenda includes a security mechanism for full Israeli withdrawal, initial exchanges under the Trump plan, and unconditional U.N.-channeled humanitarian access.
• The United States sent envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Israeli delegates include Mossad and Shin Bet officials, and mediators expect several difficult days with questions over meeting a 72-hour hostage-return goal.