Overview

• An initial round wrapped up late Monday in a positive atmosphere, with mediators and Hamas setting a roadmap and timeline for the current negotiating track.
• Egypt says U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff will join the sessions Wednesday, as Cairo discusses anchoring the plan with a UN Security Council decision and a temporary international stabilizing force.
• Hamas negotiator Khalil al‑Hayya says the group seeks real international guarantees for a permanent cease-fire and full withdrawal in exchange for a prisoner–hostage exchange.
• Israeli officials indicate any early troop pullback would stop at the so‑called yellow line and that further withdrawals hinge on conditions including disarmament, with talks initially prioritizing the recovery of hostages.
• Humanitarian devastation sets the backdrop, with at least 67,160 Palestinians reported killed, economic losses estimated at $68 billion, and reconstruction needs projected near $80 billion.