CAIRO, Egypt – Negotiators from Israel, Hamas, and the United States arrived in Cairo on Monday for critical ceasefire talks under Donald Trump’s new peace plan, even as Israel’s bombardment of Gaza killed 63 people in 24 hours.
The discussions, hosted by Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, mark the first phase of Trump’s proposed roadmap, the release of 48 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.
Trump urged negotiators to “move fast,” saying the initial phase “should be completed this week.”
US envoy Steve Witkoff joined the Cairo talks alongside Hamas representative Khalil al-Hayya and Israeli officials, who said the process would last only “a few days at most.”
Under Trump’s plan, Hamas would free all hostages within 72 hours, surrender power to a transnational authority overseen by the US, and lay down arms.
In return, Israel would gradually withdraw troops from Gaza, release over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, and open humanitarian corridors for aid and reconstruction.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the negotiations as “the closest we’ve come to getting all the hostages released,” though he warned of logistical hurdles in forming a post-war Gaza administration.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled partial support, stating that troops “will remain in key areas” for security reasons despite any deal.
Meanwhile, optimism is growing among global leaders, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz calling the plan “the best chance for peace.”
As talks continue, Gaza’s residents remain cautious but hopeful that this latest diplomatic push might end nearly two years of devastating conflict that has left thousands dead and parts of the enclave in famine.
