Trump Urges Negotiators to ‘Accelerate Progress’ as Talks Commence in the Egyptian Republic
What’s in Donald Trump’s Twenty-Point ‘Ceasefire Proposal’ for the Gaza Strip?
Provided that both sides agree to a specific series of requirements, the cessation of hostilities will be paired with the liberation of all Israeli hostages, both dead and alive, “over a 72-hour period” of the Israeli government publicly accepting the arrangement.
As a trade for the release of hostages, Israeli authorities would let go 250 individuals of Palestinian origin currently serving lengthy incarcerations and an additional 1,700 Palestinians in Gaza apprehended after the conflict started on 7 October 2023 subsequent to Hamas’s deadly attack on the nation of Israel.
For each Israeli national held hostage whose remains are handed over, Israel will hand back the bodies of 15 deceased Palestinians.
The strategy does not necessitate a total Israeli retreat ahead of the captive release. Rather, Israeli forces would pull back to an mutually accepted border, within Gaza’s territory, to prepare for a hostage release.
This initiative says that all military operations, such as aerial and artillery bombardment, will be paused during the exchange operation and combat positions will remain frozen until “terms are fulfilled for the phased full withdrawal”.
After every captive are freed, pardon will be given to Hamas affiliates – the militant Islamic organization that the premier of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, has consistently pledged to eliminate – who accept non-violent cohabitation and to decommission their weapons.
People who desire to depart the Gaza region will be given safe passage to countries who have agreed to receive them.
This twenty-point proposal envisages the Gaza Strip as “an area free from radicalization and terror that poses zero a threat to neighboring countries”. Furthermore, it says the region will be “revitalized for the welfare of the inhabitants of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough”.
Importantly, and opposing the vision of some of the far-right allies of Netanyahu, Israel will avoid occupying or incorporate the region, which was the site of 21 communities established by Israel before their residents were evacuated in the year 2005.
Nor will any person be forced to leave the Gaza region, the proposal assures. Individuals who want to exit will be permitted to do so without hindrance and permitted to return.
Hamas will be prohibited from any role, “in any capacity”, in the upcoming leadership of the region.
Trump Calls on Delegates to ‘Move Fast’ as They Gather in Egypt for Gaza Talks
President Trump has called on representatives of Hamas and Israel assembling in the nation of Egypt for key negotiations aimed at concluding the Israeli conflict in Gaza to “move fast,” stating, in statements on Sunday morning, that there had been “highly favorable” talks.
The American leader commented:
We have had very positive negotiations with the Hamas organization, and Countries from around the globe (Arab and Muslim nations, among others) during the weekend, to free the captives, stop the fighting in Gaza but, more importantly, ultimately secure long sought peace in the Middle East.
These talks have been highly productive, and proceeding rapidly. Specialist groups will again meet this Monday, in Egypt, to address and finalize the last points. Sources indicate that the opening segment will likely finish within the week, and I am requesting each participant to ACT QUICKLY.
The US envoy Witkoff is anticipated to participate in the discussions, as per Israeli media, together with Israel’s negotiators and a delegation from Palestine headed by Al-Hayya, the vice chairman of the political office of Hamas.
Khalil al-Hayya is expected to confer with mediators from Qatar and Egypt in Cairo, Egypt this morning, ahead of discussions in the resort city of Egypt of Sharm El-Sheikh.
However, Israel’s chief negotiator, Minister of Strategic Affairs Minister Dermer, is anticipated to participate in negotiations toward the end of the week, pending advancements in the discussions, based on several officials from Israel.
Positive outlook on a potential ceasefire has grown worldwide, with western and Arab leaders urging Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement. On Sunday, the German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, contacted Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and expressed support for the Trump initiative, describing it as “the best chance for resolution”, according to a official statement.
