Overview

• Egypt‑hosted, indirect negotiations in Sharm El‑Sheikh concluded an opening round described by Egyptian media as positive, with further meetings scheduled today.
• The White House says special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are at the talks in Sharm El‑Sheikh reviewing Israeli hostage and Palestinian prisoner lists with mediators.
• Israeli officials insist any initial pullback will stop at the so‑called yellow line, with deeper withdrawals contingent on Hamas meeting additional conditions.
• Hamas seeks enforceable guarantees on a ceasefire and withdrawal, while a Hamas source says disarmament cannot precede an Israeli exit and political concessions.
• A planning official and a Palestinian source caution that the 72‑hour target for returning all hostages is likely unattainable because some remains must be located and recovered from ruins.