President Donald Trump encouraged negotiators scheduled to convene on Monday for pivotal discussions to resolve the Gaza conflict to “move fast,” amid rising optimism for a truce following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s indication that a hostage release might be revealed this week.
The two-year anniversary of the Hamas-led assault on Israel falls on Tuesday, marking the October 7, 2023, incident that ignited the ongoing war.
“There have been very positive discussions with Hamas, and Countries from all over the World (Arab, Muslim, and everyone else) this weekend, to release the Hostages, end the War in Gaza but, more importantly, finally have long sought PEACE in the Middle East,” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday. “These talks have been very successful, and proceeding rapidly.”
He added: “The technical teams will again meet Monday, in Egypt, to work through and clarify the final details. I am told that the first phase should be completed this week, and I am asking everyone to MOVE FAST. I will continue to monitor this Centuries old ‘conflict.’ TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE OR, MASSIVE BLOODSHED WILL FOLLOW – SOMETHING THAT NOBODY WANTS TO SEE!”
Hamas announced on Friday that it had agreed to certain aspects of the U.S.-backed peace proposal introduced by Mr. Trump last month. The framework calls for Hamas to free the remaining 48 hostages—approximately 20 of whom are thought to still be alive—within 72 hours. It also requires Hamas to relinquish control and demilitarize, terms the group has yet to accept.
An Israeli team headed by chief negotiator Ron Dermer is set to depart Monday for the negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh, according to Netanyahu’s office. An Egyptian source confirmed the arrival of the Hamas representatives. U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law and key advisor, will participate in the discussions, a high-ranking U.S. official told CBS News.
The talks will center on the suggested swap of hostages for Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody, as stated by Egypt’s foreign ministry.
In a short declaration on Saturday, Netanyahu expressed optimism about declaring the liberation of all hostages “in the coming days” and that “our goal is to contain these negotiations to a time frame of a few days.”
However, he indicated that a complete pullout of Israeli forces from Gaza would not occur, a longstanding demand from Hamas.
Almost two years of Israeli assaults and restrictions have devastated the area’s infrastructure, compelling locals to face constant challenges in obtaining basics like food, water, medicine, and power.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed CBS News’ “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on Sunday that freeing hostages from Gaza represents the “most emergent and immediate phase” of the peace plan.
“Beyond that is what happens after that, and that is, how do we ensure that we can create and help build a Gaza free of terrorism, free of Hamas, free of anything like Hamas,” Rubio said. “And that’s going to take work and some time not just to agree on, but to implement.”
Regarding the hostages, Rubio said the “expectation is that this happens quickly,” although he did not specify a precise timeline. He noted certain practical obstacles, such as ongoing Israeli airstrikes.
“Reality is, this is a war zone. I mean, this is a place that’s suffered a tremendous amount of destruction. That fighting needs to stop,” Rubio said. “You can’t release hostages while there’s still bombardments going on.”
While large crowds demonstrated in Israel, various European locations, and beyond to advocate for halting the conflict, the foreign ministers from eight predominantly Muslim nations released a collective declaration endorsing progress toward a potential truce.
They also emphasized their dedication to restoring the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, integrating Gaza with the West Bank, and securing a pact that results in a “full Israeli withdrawal” from Gaza.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023, with a Hamas-orchestrated attack on southern Israel that claimed around 1,200 lives and resulted in 251 abductions. In response, Israel launched a heavy air and ground offensive in Gaza. Over 66,000 Palestinians have died, per figures from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilian and combatant casualties.
