Gaza peace talks appear to gain momentum on the war’s anniversary

**Peace Talks Between Israel and Hamas Resume on Two-Year Anniversary of Gaza War**

*CAIRO (AP)* — Peace talks between Israel and Hamas resumed on Tuesday at the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, coinciding with the two-year anniversary of the militant group’s surprise attack on Israel. That attack ignited the war that has since claimed tens of thousands of lives in the Gaza Strip.

The second day of indirect negotiations at the Red Sea resort focuses on a plan proposed last week by U.S. President Donald Trump, which aims to bring an end to the prolonged conflict.

Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official, told Egypt’s Qahera TV that Hamas seeks guarantees of a lasting ceasefire as part of any agreement for the return of the remaining 48 hostages, around 20 of whom are believed by Israel still to be alive. This marked al-Hayya’s first public appearance since an Israeli strike last month targeted him and other senior Hamas leaders in Qatar, killing six people, including his son and office manager.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted Trump’s plan, which calls for the immediate release of hostages. The proposal also includes placing Gaza under international governance and disarming Hamas—elements the militant group has yet to accept.

Netanyahu’s office described Israel’s stance on Tuesday as “cautiously optimistic,” framing the talks as technical discussions over a plan that both sides have already approved. The initiative has garnered widespread international support, and Trump expressed confidence in a “really good chance” of reaching a lasting deal.

In a sign of increasing momentum, Qatar announced that its prime minister and top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, will travel to Egypt on Wednesday to join the negotiations. Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and top Netanyahu adviser Ron Dermer are also expected to attend.

### Overview of Trump’s Peace Plan

The plan envisions Israel withdrawing its troops from Gaza following Hamas’s disarmament. It calls for an international security force’s deployment and places the territory under international governance, overseen by Trump and former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair.

On Tuesday, Hamas reiterated its longstanding demands for a lasting ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza but did not mention disarmament.

### Background of the Conflict

The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and abducting 251. Most hostages have since been released through ceasefires or other arrangements.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the ensuing war has killed at least 67,160 Palestinians and wounded nearly 170,000. The territory lies in ruins. The ministry—which is part of the Hamas-run government—does not differentiate between civilians and combatants but estimates that about half of the deaths were women and children. These figures are widely regarded by the United Nations and independent experts as the most reliable estimates of casualties.

A growing number of experts, including those commissioned by a U.N. body, have accused Israel’s offensive in Gaza of amounting to genocide—an accusation Israel vehemently denies.

### Commemorations and Continuing Conflict

On Tuesday, thousands of Israelis gathered at an area attacked by Hamas two years ago to pay tribute to loved ones who were killed or kidnapped. Meanwhile, an explosion echoed across the fields from a rocket launch in northern Gaza; no damage or injuries were reported.

Residents in Gaza City reported that Israeli attacks continued until early Tuesday, with no immediate reports of casualties.

### Humanitarian Relief Promise

Ahead of the talks, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation as “a humanitarian catastrophe on a scale that defied comprehension.” He emphasized that Trump’s proposal “presents an opportunity that must be seized to bring this tragic conflict to an end.”

Egypt and Qatar have been mediating between the parties throughout the war and are facilitating the current negotiations. Majed al-Ansari, spokesman for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, said Monday’s talks lasted around four hours.

According to a U.S. official who was not authorized to brief reporters, Witkoff and Kushner are expected to join Wednesday’s discussions. An Israeli official also confirmed that Ron Dermer is due to travel to Egypt for the talks.

A critical part of the peace plan involves surging humanitarian aid into Gaza, where more than 2 million Palestinians face hunger and, in some regions, famine.

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**Reporting credits:** Rising reported from Bangkok. Melanie Lidman in Reim, Israel; Sam Mednick in Tel Aviv, Israel; Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations; and Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report.

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*Follow AP’s ongoing coverage of the Israel-Hamas war at* [https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war](https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war).
https://wgntv.com/israel-hamas-conflict/ap-gaza-peace-talks-enter-second-day-on-two-year-anniversary-of-the-beginning-of-the-war/

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