New Gaza peace talks move to implement Trump ceasefire plan
Diplomatic efforts to implement the Gaza ceasefire framework proposed by former President Donald Trump are poised to resume in Egypt, with talks starting on Sunday local time. The White House reportedly dispatched special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, a former Middle East envoy, to Cairo to steer negotiations with Hamas and Israeli representatives. The rapid scheduling underscores an urgency to secure a pause in hostilities and begin the long road toward a durable settlement.
Key players and the path forward
Hamas has also sent its negotiators to Egypt, signaling a willingness to engage in indirect discussions with Israel. Israel’s government indicated it would pursue a continuation of talks along the lines of the Trump plan, while keeping options open for military pressure if negotiations stall. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed a shared sense of urgency with the United States, noting that both leaders hoped to conclude talks within days so the Israeli hostages might be returned in time for the Sukkot holiday.
“Our intention, and the intention of our American friends, is to bind the negotiations into a matter of days,” Netanyahu said. He added that Hamas would be disarmed as part of a negotiated outcome, though the militant group had not formally agreed to the condition. In Washington, President Trump echoed the push for speed, warning that delays could jeopardize the deal.
What a “swift” resolution could mean
White House messaging has framed the talks as a critical window to secure a ceasefire and begin implementing a broader plan for Gaza. A rapid conclusion could enable aid corridors to reopen and allow relief organizations to scale up the delivery of food, medicine, and shelter to millions of civilians affected by the conflict that re-ignited after Hamas attacks in October 2023. The civilian toll has intensified international calls for a rush to peace that protects civilians while addressing security concerns for Israel.
Global reactions and humanitarian concerns
World leaders welcomed the move toward talks. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his country supported efforts to end the war and to pursue a two-state solution, while aid organizations noted a potential shift in access for humanitarian relief. Philippe Lazzarini of UNRWA, the UN agency aiding Palestinians, described the moment as a rare opportunity to address famine and humanitarian needs for more than two million people living in Gaza. The international community urged that any agreement preserve humanitarian access and protect civilians caught in the conflict.
Risks and expectations for the coming days
Despite optimism, observers cautioned that negotiations could face significant obstacles, including disagreements on security arrangements, the scope of Hamas disarmament, and the sequencing of troop withdrawals or redeployments. The sense of momentum is tempered by the realities on the ground, where strikes and civilian displacement continue to disrupt daily life for Gazans. Still, supporters of the deal stress that a measured, monitored ceasefire paired with relief and reconstruction efforts could lay the groundwork for lasting peace.
What comes next
As talks unfold in Cairo, the world watches closely to see whether negotiators can bridge gaps and deliver a credible path back from the brink of renewed confrontation. The coming days will reveal whether this is a moment of real opportunity or a temporary pause in a protracted conflict. The humanitarian imperative remains clear: protect civilians, restore essential services, and create a sustainable framework that could eventually lead to a two-state solution.
