Trump Encourages Representatives to ‘Accelerate Progress’ as Meeting Start in the Egyptian Republic

Key Points from Trump’s Twenty-Point ‘Resolution Strategy’ for Gaza?

Assuming both sides consent to a comprehensive set of terms, the cessation of hostilities will be accompanied by the liberation of all Israeli hostages, both dead and alive, “over a 72-hour period” of the Israeli government officially endorsing the agreement.

As a trade for the release of hostages, the Israeli state would free a group of 250 Palestinians currently serving life sentences and an additional 1,700 Palestinians in the Gaza region apprehended after the hostilities erupted on 7 October 2023 following the lethal assault by Hamas on the nation of Israel.

For each Israeli hostage whose remains are handed over, the Israeli side will return the bodies of 15 Palestinian fatalities.

The plan does not require a total Israeli retreat prior to the captive release. On the contrary, Israeli forces would pull back to an established boundary, inside Gaza, to make arrangements for a captive liberation.

The plan indicates that every military action, including air strikes and shelling, will be paused during the exchange operation and front lines will stay fixed until “requirements are satisfied for the complete staged withdrawal”.

After all hostages are liberated, amnesty will be given to individuals associated with Hamas – the Islamist military group that Israel’s prime minister, Netanyahu, has frequently sworn to eradicate – who accept harmonious living and to surrender their arms.

Individuals who want to exit the Gaza region will be provided with secure transit to states who have consented to accept them.

The comprehensive strategy foresees Gaza territory as “an area free from radicalization and terror that does not pose any danger to neighboring countries”. In a separate point, it states the region will be “reconstructed for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have experienced immense suffering”.

Vitally, and contrary to the perspective of certain Netanyahu’s extremist political allies, the Israeli government will avoid occupying or annex the territory, which was home to 21 settlements from Israel prior to their inhabitants were withdrawn in 2005.

Furthermore, not anyone be compelled to depart Gaza territory, the proposal assures. Those who want to exit will be authorized to do so without restriction and permitted to return.

Hamas as an entity will not be permitted any participation, “directly or indirectly”, in the future administration of the area.

Donald Trump Encourages Representatives to ‘Accelerate Progress’ as They Gather in Egypt for Gaza Talks

President Trump has encouraged Hamas and Israeli negotiators assembling in Egypt for key negotiations targeting halting the war led by Israel in the Gaza Strip to “act quickly,” adding, in statements on Sunday, that there had been “very positive” conversations.

The US president commented:

There have been extremely constructive discussions with Hamas, and Nations from around the globe (Arab, Muslim, and various other countries) during the weekend, to liberate the detainees, halt the conflict in Gaza but, of greater importance, at last achieve long sought peace in the Middle East.

These discussions have been highly productive, and advancing swiftly. Specialist groups will again meet Monday, in the Egyptian Republic, to tackle and finalize the remaining specifics. It has been reported that the first phase is expected to conclude within the week, and I am requesting all parties to ACT QUICKLY.

America’s representative Steve Witkoff is expected to join the discussions, based on sources in Israel, alongside representatives from Israel and a delegation from Palestine headed by Khalil al-Hayya, the assistant leader of the political bureau of Hamas.

Khalil al-Hayya is expected to confer with facilitators from Qatar and Egypt in Cairo today in the morning, before negotiations in the resort city of Egypt of Sharm El Sheikh.

However, Israel’s chief negotiator, strategic affairs minister Dermer, is expected to join talks later this week, depending on advancements in the talks, according to several officials from Israel.

Hope regarding a prospective cessation of hostilities has escalated across the world, with officials from Western and Arab countries urging Hamas and Israel to reach an agreement. This past Sunday, the Germany’s chancellor, Friedrich Merz, contacted Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and expressed support for the Trump plan, calling it “the optimal opportunity for resolution”, as per a summary.