Gaza Ceasefire Negotiators Converge on Cairo Amid Hostage Release Hopes
Delegations from Israel, Hamas, and mediators are assembling in Cairo for urgent talks to end the nearly two-year Gaza war, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing optimism that all hostages could be freed "in a matter of days."
The momentum follows Hamas's positive response to US President Donald Trump's 20-point roadmap, which includes phased hostage releases, a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and Gaza's demilitarization under a Trump-chaired international board.
Netanyahu announced Saturday he dispatched negotiators to Egypt "to finalize technical details," while Cairo confirmed hosting Hamas for discussions on "ground conditions and the exchange of all Israeli detainees and Palestinian prisoners."
State media reported indirect talks Sunday and Monday, with Trump sending envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff Saturday. Trump warned Hamas of "no tolerance for delay," urging a quick deal "or else all bets are off."
In a televised address, Netanyahu credited "military and diplomatic pressure" for Hamas's shift, hoping for releases during Sukkot, the Jewish festival starting Monday.
Hamas stated Friday it approves freeing all hostages—living and remains—per Trump's formula but seeks further negotiations on elements like disarmament and governance.
Trump hailed it as proof Hamas is "ready for a lasting PEACE," calling on Israel to halt bombing immediately.
Netanyahu countered that "Hamas will be disarmed—diplomatically via Trump's plan or militarily by us."
Protests erupted Saturday night in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with crowds demanding a deal and Trump's intervention, timed days before the October 7, 2023, attack's second anniversary.
Strikes Persist Despite Pause Calls
Despite Trump's directive, Israeli strikes killed 57 Palestinians Saturday, including 40 in Gaza City, per civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal.
Recent weeks saw sweeping assaults around the city. Gaza City resident Mahmud Al-Ghazi, 39, from Al-Rimal, said, "Israel has escalated since Trump's pause call. Who will stop them? We need faster negotiations to end this genocide and bloodshed."
The IDF warned residents against returning to Gaza City, deeming it "extremely dangerous," and confirmed ongoing operations.
No Governance Role for Hamas
A senior Hamas official said Egypt, a key mediator, will host a Palestinian factions conference to shape post-war Gaza plans.
Hamas insists on input for the territory's future, but Trump's roadmap bars it and other groups from any role, direct or indirect.
It proposes a technocratic Palestinian committee under a "Board of Peace" led by Trump (with Tony Blair and others) for transitional governance until the Palestinian Authority reforms.
An AFP journalist in Al-Mawasi reported celebratory "Allahu akbar!" cries from tents as Hamas's statement spread.
Gazan Sami Adas, 50, in a Gaza City tent, said, "Trump's ceasefire announcement is the best—Netanyahu can't escape. He's the only one forcing Israel to comply and stop the war."
Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack killed 1,219, mostly civilians, per Israeli figures. Israel's response has claimed 67,074 Palestinian lives, over half women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, deemed reliable by the UN.
