🔗 Share this article

Diplomatic delegations have arrived in Cairo ahead of important discussions scheduled for Monday, expected to address the release of hostages held by the militant group in Gaza and a comprehensive conclusion to the ongoing conflict, while Israel's defense strikes continued across the Palestinian territory, leading to 63 casualties within the last 24 hours.

Key Focus of Monday's Talks

The Egyptian diplomatic corps announced that Monday's negotiations would address the initial step of Trump administration's suggested ceasefire plan, which involves the release of the last 48 captives held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners currently held in Israeli custody.

Global Representation

American representative Steve Witkoff is anticipated to participate in the negotiations, according to local media outlets, together with Israel's delegation and a Palestinian group chaired by Khalil al-Hayya, the vice head of the organization's political bureau.

"Talks in Egypt will be restricted to a few days maximum," declared an Israeli government spokesperson to journalists.

Truce Possibilities

The hostage release and prisoner swap would mean an immediate end to hostilities in Gaza, according to Trump. Since the group's qualified acceptance of his plan to terminate the approximately two-year war in Gaza on Friday, the United States, Israeli government and the militant organization have all stated confidence that a ceasefire is achievable.

The American top diplomat, Marco Rubio, described the Cairo negotiations as "the most promising we've reached getting all the hostages released" during a Sunday appearance with ABC. He advised that negotiations could still falter over operational challenges, and that detailed procedures for the hostage release needed to be finalized.

Ongoing Obstacles

Rubio noted significant ongoing challenges in executing the arrangement, especially the establishment of a administrative authority to oversee Gaza instead of the current rulers. He reiterated that the present objective remained the captives' release and securing defense troops retreated to an mutually accepted boundary in Gaza.

The former president's Framework Details

Trump's plan would involve Hamas freeing all captives within 72 hours, relinquishing ruling control to a international administration led by the American leader, and disarming its military assets. In exchange, Israel would gradually pull out its forces from Gaza and return more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. The agreement would also trigger a increase of humanitarian aid to Gaza, in which some parts are facing starvation, along with restoration financing.

Retreat Parameters

On Saturday night, Trump shared a chart of Gaza that outlined the primary retreat line for defense troops, ranging from 1.2 miles (2km) to 4 miles within the territory. He stated that if Hamas agreed to the withdrawal line, a ceasefire would start promptly.

Per the terms of the plan, defense military are meant to fully pull back to a demilitarized zone at the edge of Gaza, but the Israeli leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, has asserted that regardless of any deal, forces would remain in most of Gaza.

Worldwide Responses

Positive outlook about a potential peace agreement has grown across the world, with western and Arab representatives urging the organization and the Israeli government to reach a agreement. On Sunday, the German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, spoke with Netanyahu and voiced backing for the Trump proposal, characterizing it as "the optimal opportunity for stability," based on an government summary.

Israeli authorities have additionally indicated they hope to proclaim an end to the hostilities in the following days.

A prominent Hamas representative told news outlets the group was "very keen to conclude an settlement to end the conflict and promptly commence the prisoner exchange operation in compliance with the operational circumstances."

Ultimatums and Persistent Violence

Trump threatened Hamas with "total obliteration" if it refused to conclude a agreement on Gaza during a CNN appearance. He also claimed that Netanyahu was in agreement for ending the airstrikes of Gaza.

In spite of Trump's demand that the Israeli government stop its offensive and notwithstanding orders for the defense forces to only conduct "security actions," it has continued striking the Gazan territory. At least eight people were fatally wounded in separate attacks on Gaza City, while four additional people were shot dead while looking for relief supplies in the southern region of the territory.

"While certain airstrikes have indeed halted inside of the Gaza Strip, there's no ceasefire in place at this point in time," stated the Israeli spokesperson.

Casualty Cost

At least 67,139 people have been died and roughly 170,000 harmed by the Israeli armed offensive in Gaza, as reported by the Gaza ministry of health, which stated that roughly a majority of those were civilian non-combatants. The Israeli government launched the operation in reprisal after an assault by militant combatants that resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people and entailed 251 individuals being taken hostage.

International Findings

The United Nations investigative body, numerous civil liberties organizations and the preeminent organization of genocide scholars have concluded that Israel has carried out genocide in Gaza. Israeli authorities denies the charge and maintains it has only responded in national security.