URGENT UPDATE: Egypt is set to host critical ceasefire talks in the Red Sea city of Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday, as violence escalates in the Gaza Strip. This comes after Hamas expressed tentative support for President Donald Trump’s peace proposal, but emphasized that further negotiations are essential before a full agreement can be finalized.
In a statement, Hamas indicated it would release all remaining hostages if Israel withdraws from Gaza and “proper field conditions are met.” The urgency of these talks highlights the ongoing conflict, as intense Israeli airstrikes continue to devastate Gaza City, home to hundreds of thousands of civilians.
Protests erupted worldwide on Sunday, with organizers estimating that around 250,000 people marched in Amsterdam alone, many donning red to symbolize a “red line” against Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Similar demonstrations occurred in Ankara, Turkey and Karachi, Pakistan, illustrating a growing global outcry for Palestinian support.
President Trump, speaking from the Navy’s 250th celebration, declared, “They’re in negotiation right now as we speak. It will last a couple of days. We’ll see how it turns out. But I’m hearing it’s going very well.” His comments come amid rising tensions, particularly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly reacted negatively to Trump’s insistence on the peace deal’s significance.
According to an official statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, high-level representatives, including Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior advisor Jared Kushner, have been arriving in Egypt in preparation for the talks. The discussions will focus on “the ground conditions and details of the exchange of all Israeli detainees and Palestinian prisoners,” with hopes to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people, who have endured two years of conflict.
As the situation remains fluid, officials are urging for a swift resolution to the ongoing hostilities. The outcome of these talks could have significant implications for the future of Gaza and the broader Middle East peace process.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds, with both sides eager for a resolution amidst mounting international pressure for peace.
