Delegations from Hamas and Israel began indirect talks in Egypt on Monday (October 6) aimed at ending the nearly two-year-long war in Gaza, with U.S. President Donald Trump expressing optimism that the Palestinian militant group was ready to compromise on his proposed peace framework.
According to Al-Qahera News, which is affiliated with Egyptian state intelligence, the first round of talks concluded “amid a positive atmosphere” and will resume on Tuesday (October 7).
Focus on Prisoner Exchange
The talks, held under tight security, involve negotiators communicating through Egyptian and Qatari mediators, only weeks after Israel’s attempted strike on Hamas’s lead negotiators in Qatar.
Sources said discussions centred on “preparing ground conditions for the release of detainees and prisoners”, with mediators working to establish a mechanism for hostage swaps — Israelis held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.
Trump Urges Speedy Resolution
Speaking at the White House, Trump said he was “pretty sure” a peace deal was within reach.
“I think Hamas has been agreeing to things that are very important… I think we’re going to have a deal,” he said.
His special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to arrive in Egypt to assist with the negotiations.
Hamas Expects ‘Difficult, Complex’ Talks
A Palestinian source close to Hamas’s leadership said this latest round — launched on the eve of the second anniversary of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks — could last several days.
“We expect the negotiations to be difficult and complex, given the occupation’s intentions to continue its war of extermination,” the source told AFP.
Hamas’s lead negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, who survived an Israeli strike in Doha last month, also met with Egyptian intelligence officials ahead of the Cairo talks, according to Egyptian security sources.
Violence Continues Amid Talks
Despite diplomatic efforts, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continued Monday, killing at least seven Palestinians, said Mahmud Bassal, spokesperson for Gaza’s civil defence agency.
AFP footage showed plumes of smoke rising over Gaza’s skyline even after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Israel to halt its bombing campaign.