Trump Officials Join High-Level Talks Aimed at Ending Gaza War

Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt – U.S. President Donald Trump’s top Middle East advisor, Steve Witkoff, and other senior officials joined a third day of peace negotiations between Israel and Hamas today in Egypt, signaling a push to resolve critical issues within a proposed American plan to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Hamas officials stated they are seeking firm guarantees from Trump and mediators that Israel will not resume military operations in the Palestinian territory following the release of all remaining hostages. Representatives from additional Palestinian militant groups, including the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, are expected to arrive later today, broadening the scope of the discussions to encompass all key Palestinian factions. This expanded participation underscores the effort to achieve a comprehensive agreement.

Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s top advisor, Ron Dermer, are also participating in the talks. A senior Hamas official, Taher Nounou, confirmed the group has submitted a list of Palestinian prisoners they want released from Israel in exchange for the hostages held in Gaza. The proposed plan, which builds on a previous ceasefire brokered with U.S. involvement, envisions an immediate ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal after Hamas disarms, and the establishment of international governance over Gaza – a scenario that has faced resistance from Hamas in the past. The conflict has had a devastating humanitarian impact, creating a dire situation for civilians.

While Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi described the negotiations as “very encouraging,” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticized a parallel initiative by European and Arab countries to discuss Gaza’s future, calling it “concocted behind Israel’s back.” Officials involved in the Sharm el-Sheikh talks anticipate continued discussions on hostage releases, troop withdrawals, and the long-term security and governance of Gaza. As reported by the Associated Press, negotiators are hopeful for a breakthrough, but significant hurdles remain.