Image of Gaza City: Photo credits: ABC News

Indirect talks between Israel, Hamas, and U.S. officials are set to open in Egypt this week, with Donald Trump’s newly unveiled 20-point peace plan at the center of negotiations aimed at ending the two-year Israel–Hamas war.

The U.S. president’s proposal, presented in Washington last week, lays out three key pillars: the disarmament of Hamas, the release of all Israeli hostages—both living and dead—and the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. If accepted, all hostages would be returned within 72 hours of Israel’s public approval, while Gaza would undergo redevelopment under a new technocratic administration.

In a notable shift, Trump’s plan allows Palestinians to remain in Gaza, departing from his earlier statements that envisioned mass removal of its population. The White House also released maps showing the gradual pullback of Israeli forces, though even in the final phase about 15 percent of Gaza would remain under Israeli military control as a “security buffer zone.”

REGIONAL REACTIONS

The plan has sparked a flurry of responses across the Middle East. Iran’s foreign ministry said it supports any initiative that ends the bloodshed in Gaza but warned that Trump’s proposal contained “dangerous dimensions.” Officials in Tehran added that Palestinians themselves must have the final say.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi praised the initiative, calling it a pathway to “lasting peace and stability” through a ceasefire, reconstruction of Gaza, and eventual recognition of a Palestinian state. Egypt, along with Qatar, has been mediating between Israel and Hamas throughout the conflict and is hosting this week’s high-level delegations in Sharm El-Sheikh.

Hamas has given a guarded response. The group agreed in principle to release hostages and allow Palestinian technocrats to govern Gaza but has yet to commit to full disarmament—Israel’s central demand. Hamas insists that issues regarding Gaza’s long-term future and Palestinian rights remain under discussion “within a national framework.”

Hezbollah and Iran’s Unease

Image of the Hezbollah flag

Hamas’s cautious praise for Trump’s proposal has caused unease within Hezbollah, its Lebanese ally. The gesture recalls fissures exposed after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which Hezbollah claimed it was not forewarned about. The subsequent Israeli retaliation killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and most of the group’s senior commanders.

Nasrallah’s past words—“Whatever decision Hamas makes, we shall adopt the same”—have resurfaced as Hezbollah struggles with mounting losses and internal frustration among supporters. Analysts say Hamas’s willingness to engage with a U.S.-brokered plan highlights growing divergences within the “axis of resistance” led by Iran.

Israel’s Position

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a weekend television address, hailed the peace plan as proof that Hamas was being pressured by military and diplomatic means. He signaled Israel was close to announcing the release of hostages, saying such a breakthrough could come “in the coming days.”

Netanyahu reiterated that Hamas would be disarmed “either by diplomatic means according to the Trump plan, or militarily by us.” Israel has continued its airstrikes on Gaza City ahead of the Cairo talks, with Gaza’s Civil Defense reporting 24 Palestinian deaths in the past 24 hours.

The Road Ahead

While the Sharm El-Sheikh talks mark the largest diplomatic gathering since the conflict began, major obstacles remain. Disarming Hamas and resolving Gaza’s long-term governance structure are the thorniest issues. Hostage exchanges, previously marked by public displays of militancy, are expected to be carried out discreetly under Red Cross supervision this time.

For now, Iran’s cautious support, Egypt’s backing, and Hamas’s partial endorsement suggest the Trump plan has gained unexpected momentum. But whether it can overcome deep mistrust and decades of conflict remains uncertain.