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First phase of Gaza talks between the Palestinian group and intermediaries have ended in the Arab Republic “in a constructive environment”, according to Egyptian state-linked media early on the weekday.

Al-Qahera News, affiliated with government security, stated the talks will resume on Tuesday, also between Hamas and mediators in the tourist destination of the Egyptian city, where an Israeli delegation landed on Monday.

Israel and the Palestinian faction are anticipated to engage in mediated discussions on the specifics of a proposal by US President Donald Trump for a captive-detainee swap and extended truce.

Trump’s twenty-point proposal outlines an immediate halt in hostilities, an swap of all captives held by Hamas for detainees from Palestine held by Israel, a phased pullout of Israeli forces from Gaza, the demilitarization of the group and the establishment of a interim administration led by an global organization.

Among Hamas’s main conditions since the outset of the conflict has been a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in return for the release of the remaining captives. And while the armed faction has signaled its readiness to give up governing control, it has consistently ruled out disarming.

In this initial stage of talks, Middle Eastern mediators are working with the two parties to establish foundational terms for the release of the remaining forty-eight Israeli hostages held in Gaza in exchange for 1,700 detainees from Palestine held in prisons in Israel, and to decide the timeline of a temporary truce.

This round of talks is expected to be challenging and complex, and could continue for several days, according to sources. We will have additional information on the negotiations soon.

The talks come as Israelis across the nation prepare to mark the second anniversary of the 7 October Hamas-initiated attacks on southern Israel, in which about twelve hundred people, primarily non-combatants, were slain and 251 taken hostage.

Uncertainty Persists Over Ceasefire Deal

Although there are positive signs about this attempt to achieve an conclusion to the conflict in Israel, there persists uncertainty over whether or not a agreement can be reached and, crucially, sustained.

Hamas has partially agreed to Trump’s 20 point plan, which the Israeli government has agreed to, but there are still major sticking points that need addressing, including the post-war administration of the Gaza Strip, the degree of withdrawal of Israeli forces and Hamas’ disarmament.

Negotiators have to decide which Palestinian prisoners will be released from Israeli jails. The Palestinian delegation is likely to request political figures, such as the Palestinian leader a well-known detainee, who are highly regarded in the Palestinian territory and the coastal enclave.

Conservative members of the Israeli government have exerted influence to ensure such popular figures remain behind bars, Israeli media has stated.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right government official, threatened to leave the government if Hamas still remained after the release of hostages, adding another complication to already delicate peace talks.