Trump Encourages Negotiators to ‘Move Fast’ as Discussions Commence in Egypt
What’s in Trump’s 20-Point ‘Peace Plan’ for Gaza?
Assuming the two parties accept a comprehensive set of requirements, the cessation of hostilities will be followed by the freeing of all Israeli hostages, both dead and alive, “over a 72-hour period” of the Israeli government officially endorsing the agreement.
As a trade for the liberation of detainees, Israeli authorities would free 250 individuals of Palestinian origin currently serving lengthy incarcerations and 1,700 more Palestinians in the Gaza region held since the war began on 7 October 2023 after the lethal assault by Hamas on the nation of Israel.
In exchange for every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will hand back the corpses of 15 Palestinians who have died.
The plan does not mandate a complete Israeli pullout prior to the release of the hostages. On the contrary, Israeli forces would pull back to an mutually accepted border, within Gaza’s territory, to prepare for a captive liberation.
The proposal states that every military action, encompassing aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended during the release process and combat positions will stay fixed until “conditions are met for the gradual total pullout”.
After all hostages are released, pardon will be awarded to members of Hamas – the militant Islamic organization that Israel’s prime minister, PM Netanyahu, has frequently sworn to eradicate – who accept peaceful coexistence and to surrender their arms.
Those who desire to depart Gaza will be offered safe passage to nations who have agreed to receive them.
The 20-point plan foresees Gaza as “a de-radicalized terror-free zone that poses zero any danger to neighboring countries”. In a separate point, it declares the territory will be “reconstructed for the welfare of the people of Gaza, who have endured excessive hardship”.
Crucially, and opposing the outlook of some of Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners, Israel’s leadership will avoid occupying or take over the territory, which was home to 21 settlements from Israel before their populace was removed in the year 2005.
Nor will any individual be forced to leave Gaza, the strategy guarantees. Those who want to exit will be permitted to do so without restriction and granted reentry.
Hamas will not be allowed any role, “directly or indirectly”, in the future administration of the region.
Donald Trump Calls on Negotiators to ‘Move Fast’ as They Assemble in Egypt for Gaza Discussions
Donald Trump has encouraged delegates from Hamas and Israel gathering in Egypt for vital discussions targeting ending the Israeli conflict in Gaza to “accelerate progress,” stating, in remarks on Sunday morning, that there had been “extremely constructive” conversations.
The US president commented:
We have had highly favorable discussions with the Hamas organization, and Nations from around the globe (Arab, Muslim, and everyone else) during the weekend, to release the Hostages, stop the fighting in Gaza but, even more significantly, at last achieve long-desired PEACE in the Middle East.
These negotiations have been extremely effective, and moving quickly. The technical teams will reconvene on Monday, in Egypt, to tackle and finalize the final details. Sources indicate that the initial stage will likely finish in the coming days, and I am asking each participant to MOVE FAST.
The United States delegate Envoy Witkoff is anticipated to participate in the talks, as per reports from Israel, alongside representatives from Israel and a Palestinian delegation headed by Khalil al-Hayya, the assistant leader of the political bureau of the Hamas movement.
The Hamas official is scheduled to meet with intermediaries from Egyptian and Qatari officials in Cairo, Egypt on Monday morning, ahead of negotiations in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm El Sheikh.
Nevertheless, Israel’s top delegate, the strategic affairs minister Minister Dermer, is expected to join discussions later this week, subject to developments in the negotiations, as per multiple Israeli sources.
Positive outlook on a potential ceasefire has escalated worldwide, with western and Arab leaders pressuring Hamas and Israel to come to a deal. On Sunday, the Germany’s chancellor, Chancellor Merz, called Israeli PM Netanyahu and expressed support for the Trump initiative, describing it as “the best chance for peace”, based on a readout.
