Israel-Hamas peace talks begin in Egypt after two years of Gaza War

Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas are currently underway in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, under the mediation of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey to end the Gaza war that has devastated the region. International media reports say the talks which began Monday evening will continue on Tuesday as well.

Exactly two years ago today, Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people including 10 Nepali nationals. 251 people including Bipin Joshi were taken hostage and transported to Gaza. Among them, 48 are still being held by Hamas. At least 20 of them are believed to be alive. 

In retaliation, Israel responded militarily against Hamas citing its "right to self-defense”. Its military response has so far killed over 60,000 Palestinians, many of them including children while the operations have also caused acute famine in the region. Israel has faced widespread accusations of committing genocide, which it strongly denies. 

The BBC has reported that efforts are being made to reach a peace agreement on the same day marking two years since Hamas launched its attack.

Egypt’s state-run news agency, Al Qahira News, has stated that the talks are heading in a positive direction.

US President Trump has also expressed confidence that Hamas will agree to a peace deal. On Friday, Trump instructed Netanyahu not to carry out further attacks on Gaza. However, since then, more than 100 people have reportedly been killed in Israeli attacks, according to CNN.

What’s on the table?

Trump's proposal, which he reportedly discussed with Netanyahu during the United Nations General Assembly meeting, has received significant international backing. 

The proposal includes an immediate end to the war in Gaza and the release of all hostages, both alive and deceased, by Hamas within 72 hours. In return, Israel would halt all ground and air assaults on Gaza during that period. Additionally, the proposal calls for the Israeli army to withdraw from Gaza within 48 hours.

In exchange for the hostages, Israel would release 250 Palestinians serving life sentences, along with 1,700 Gaza residents arrested on October 7, 2023.

Similarly, for each deceased hostage returned by Hamas, Israel would hand over the bodies of 15 deceased Palestinians to Hamas.

According to CNN, Hamas has expressed partial agreement to the ceasefire terms.

However, it has disagreed with the condition that it must disarm and play no role in governing Gaza. Discussions on these matters are set to continue on Tuesday in hopes of reaching consensus.