US President Donald Trump has called on mediators to “move fast” as crucial peace talks to end the Gaza war begin in Egypt, bringing together delegations from Israel and Hamas for indirect discussions on his proposed 20-point ceasefire plan. Trump said early progress had been made and expected the first phase to conclude “within the week,” warning that “massive bloodshed will follow” if talks stall.
Hamas eases position on key issues
Hamas has agreed to parts of the U.S. plan, including freeing hostages and allowing a temporary Palestinian technocratic body to run Gaza. However, it avoided any mention of disarmament or its future political role — major demands from Israel and the U.S. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye reportedly convinced Hamas to delay discussions on these tougher topics for later rounds. Analysts say the move signals a tactical retreat by Hamas as its leverage weakens after nearly two years of conflict.
Israel continues attacks despite peace push
Despite international calls for calm, Israel continued its military operations in Gaza over the weekend. The Hamas-run health ministry said at least 65 Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours as Israeli air and ground forces targeted Gaza City and central areas. Israeli spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian confirmed that while “some bombings have paused,” no formal ceasefire exists, stressing that Israel is carrying out “defensive strikes.” Witnesses near the Gaza border reported new explosions early Sunday.
Trump’s peace plan gains support
Trump’s 20-point proposal — described by him as “a great deal for Israel and the entire Muslim world” — includes an immediate halt to fighting, the release of 48 hostages, a partial Israeli military withdrawal, and negotiations for Gaza’s post-war administration by Palestinian technocrats. The talks in Cairo are attended by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Israel’s Ron Dermer and Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya are also present. Netanyahu said he expects “hostages to be released in the coming days.”
Arab nations back Hamas’s flexibility
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and the UAE praised Hamas’s willingness to cooperate and supported Trump’s call for Israel to “immediately stop the bombing.” They also thanked Trump for his “commitment to peace in the region.” Hamas official Izzat al-Risheq said the backing from Arab states was “crucial for achieving a lasting ceasefire.”
Humanitarian crisis deepens
Conditions in Gaza remain catastrophic. The local media office reported that more than 8,500 people — from 2,700 families — have been wiped off the civil registry since the conflict began. Victims include over 1,000 infants, 1,600 medical workers, 254 journalists, and 140 rescue staff. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the talks represent “the closest we’ve come to getting all hostages released” but stressed that bombings must stop to make progress, noting, “You can’t release hostages in the middle of strikes.”
