Overview

• Egypt confirmed indirect negotiations will start Monday in Sharm el-Sheikh with Hamas and Israeli delegations, joined by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
• President Donald Trump said Israel accepted the initial withdrawal line shown to Hamas and that a ceasefire and hostage–prisoner exchanges would begin once Hamas confirms.
• The IDF has shifted to a defensive posture with Gaza City still declared a combat zone, as Hamas civil defence reported 57 Palestinians killed in recent strikes.
• Key issues remain unresolved, including verification, withdrawal timelines, Hamas’s role in Gaza’s governance and disarmament, with some commanders open to surrendering heavy weapons but not rifles.
• An Israeli official suggested hostages could be released within days if talks proceed smoothly, while Netanyahu signaled some Israeli forces will remain inside Gaza.