Negotiations aimed at establishing a truce in Gaza are set to continue for several days, according to US President Donald Trump. Trump made this announcement during a press conference at the White House, emphasizing ongoing conversations between Israeli and Hamas representatives. “They’ve started the negotiations. It’ll last a couple of days,” he stated, expressing optimism about the progress being made.
In parallel, Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, urged Israel to halt its military operations in Gaza to facilitate the potential release of hostages. “I think the Israelis and everyone acknowledge you can’t release hostages in the middle of strikes, so the strikes will have to stop,” Rubio said during an interview with CBS News. His statement highlights the complex dynamics of the ongoing conflict and the critical role that military actions play in hostage negotiations.
The discussions are taking place in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed hope for the release of hostages within days. Negotiators from both sides are reportedly addressing Trump’s proposed 20-point roadmap for peace, which includes terms for ending hostilities and the exchange of captives. Yet, significant issues remain unresolved, particularly regarding Hamas’s willingness to disarm—a key demand from Israel to conclude the conflict.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, violence continues to escalate. Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have resulted in numerous casualties, with local health authorities reporting at least 19 deaths on one day alone, including individuals seeking aid and children. Shadi Mansour, a local resident, mourned the loss of his six-year-old son, Ameer, amidst the destruction. “Is he a member of the resistance? Is he a fighter? All the targets of the Israeli army are children,” Mansour lamented, reflecting the human toll of the ongoing conflict.
The situation on the ground remains dire for many Palestinians. Ahmed Assad, a displaced resident, expressed frustration over the lack of change despite news of negotiations. “We do not see any change to the situation,” he stated, highlighting the uncertainty faced by those affected by the violence.
In Israel, there appears to be a sense of optimism regarding Trump’s proposal, with the Israeli shekel reaching a three-year high against the US dollar and stock markets in Tel Aviv hitting record levels. Some residents, like Gil Shelly, have begun to feel hopeful. “It’s the first time in months that I’m actually hopeful. Trump has really instilled a lot of hope into us,” he noted.
Domestically, Netanyahu faces growing pressure to end the conflict, especially from families of hostages and a public weary of war. However, his coalition includes hardline members who insist on continuing military operations. Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s far-right finance minister, stated that halting attacks on Gaza would be a “grave mistake,” underscoring the internal divisions within the Israeli government.
An official familiar with the negotiations indicated that the current discussions aim to create a comprehensive deal rather than following a phased approach, which has previously led to breakdowns in negotiations. “These subsequent rounds of negotiations is where things broke down previously,” the official explained, emphasizing a conscious effort to avoid past pitfalls.
Rubio acknowledged that while a timeline for finalizing a deal remains uncertain, the urgency for a resolution is high. “We want to see this happen very fast,” he stated, reflecting the desire for a swift conclusion to the ongoing crisis.
As the situation evolves, the international community continues to watch closely, hoping for a resolution that brings lasting peace to a region long plagued by conflict.
