Overview

• Negotiators for Israel and Hamas reconvened indirect talks in Sharm el‑Sheikh after an initial session, with Egyptian and Qatari mediation and U.S. envoys urging rapid progress.
• The opening phase under President Trump’s 20‑point plan ties the release of remaining Israeli hostages to the freeing of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners alongside steps on Gaza’s demilitarization and governance.
• State‑linked Egyptian media described a positive atmosphere, while a separate Egyptian security source reported Israeli reticence and a lack of instructions to address verification and non‑resumption guarantees.
• Trump said he was told the first phase could be completed this week and dispatched Jared Kushner and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to Egypt, as the ICRC signaled readiness to assist exchanges.
• Spain postponed to Wednesday a parliamentary vote on an arms‑embargo decree after Israel objected to holding it on 7 October, while Vice President Yolanda Díaz pressed for a Madrid peace conference and tougher measures against Israel.