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Initial phase of Gaza negotiations between Hamas and intermediaries have concluded in the Arab Republic “amid a positive atmosphere”, according to Egypt’s government-affiliated news outlets early on Tuesday.

An Egyptian news source, affiliated with government security, stated the discussions will continue on Tuesday, additionally between Hamas and intermediaries in the resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh, where an Israeli delegation arrived on the previous day.

The Israeli government and Hamas are expected to engage in mediated discussions on the details of a plan by US President Donald Trump for a captive-detainee exchange and extended ceasefire.

The US president’s 20-point proposal specifies an instant ceasefire, an swap of all hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, a phased pullout of Israeli forces from Gaza, the disarmament of the group and the introduction of a interim administration led by an global organization.

One of the faction’s primary demands since the outset of the war has been a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza in return for the release of the outstanding captives. And while the armed faction has signaled its willingness to relinquish administrative authority, it has repeatedly rejected disarming.

In this initial stage of talks, Egyptian and Qatari intermediaries are working with the two parties to establish foundational terms for the liberation of the remaining forty-eight captives from Israel held in the enclave in exchange for one thousand seven hundred Palestinian prisoners held in prisons in Israel, and to determine the date of a temporary truce.

These discussions of negotiations is expected to be challenging and complex, and could last for a number of days, according to reports. We will have additional information on the discussions soon.

These negotiations occur as Israelis across the country get ready to commemorate the second commemoration of the 7 October Hamas-initiated assaults on southern Israel, in which approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed and two hundred fifty-one taken hostage.

Uncertainty Persists Over Peace Agreement

While there are optimistic indicators about this effort to achieve an conclusion to Israel’s war, there remains doubt over whether or not a agreement can be secured and, crucially, maintained.

The Palestinian faction has in part agreed to Trump’s 20 point plan, which Israel has agreed to, but there are still significant sticking points that need resolving, including the future governance of the Gaza Strip, the degree of withdrawal of Israeli forces and Hamas’ disarmament.

Mediators have to agree which detainees from Palestine will be freed from Israeli jails. The representatives from Palestine is expected to ask for political figures, such as the figurehead a well-known detainee, who are widely popular in the West Bank and Gaza.

Conservative members of Netanyahu’s coalition have put pressure on to make sure such popular figures remain behind bars, Israeli media has stated.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, the ultra-conservative public security minister, threatened to quit the government if Hamas still remained after the freeing of hostages, adding another hurdle to already fragile peace talks.