Hamas ‘Optimistic’ about Gaza Peace Talks, Trump Envoys Join Negotiations in Egypt
The Palestinian movement Hamas expressed optimism on Wednesday about indirect talks with Israel to end the war in Gaza.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, took part in “expanded talks” in Sharm Al-Sheikh, with the attendance of Israel’s minister of strategic affairs and chief negotiator Ron Dermer.
Senior Hamas official, Taher al-Nunu, voiced optimism about the ongoing negotiations in Egypt to implement Trump’s 20-point peace plan, reported AFP.
“The mediators are making great efforts to remove any obstacles to the implementation of the ceasefire, and a spirit of optimism prevails among all parties,” he said.
The plan proposes an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of the remaining hostages within 72 hours, Hamas disarmament, and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from the Strip.
On Wednesday, Hamas handed over a list of Palestinian prisoners it wants in exchange for Israeli hostages as part of a swap deal in the first phase of the plan “in accordance with the agreed-upon criteria and numbers,” al-Nunu said.
In the meantime, Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner joined expanded ceasefire talks in Sharm Al-Sheikh, Egypt’s Al-Qahera News reported on Wednesday.
In addition to officials from Egypt and the US, the ongoing indirect talks between Hamas and Israel involve Qatari and Turkish mediators.
On this occasion, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi noted that Witkoff and Kushner came with “a strong will, a strong message, and a strong mandate from President Trump to end the war in this round of negotiations.”
Moreover, Al-Sisi invited Trump to Egypt for a signing ceremony in case a deal is finalized.
The war on Gaza reached its two-year mark on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, with a death toll exceeding 67,183 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health authorities.
