US delegation lands in Egypt to press Gaza negotiations
A U.S. delegation led by envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Egypt on Tuesday to reinforce President Donald Trump’s involvement in the renewed indirect talks between Hamas and Israel. The discussions, held in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh on the Red Sea, marked the second day of negotiations aimed at curbing the Gaza war and addressing a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Trump’s plan and the evolving negotiation landscape
Trump’s recently unveiled 20-point plan to end the war has drawn broad but cautious support from key regional players, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders who see it as a basis for further dialogue. Both sides have indicated reservations and are pushing for clarifications on several provisions, signaling that while the plan sets a framework, the path to a comprehensive agreement remains complex.
Support and cautions from allies
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said Witkoff and Jared Kushner would participate in the discussions and report back to the president. Netanyahu described the talks as a brief process, suggesting they should be completed “in a few days at most,” while Trump warned that Hamas must act quickly or risk jeopardizing the chances of a deal.
Key issues on the negotiating table
Egypt’s foreign minister, Badr Abdelatty, outlined the immediate priorities: a ceasefire, hostage releases, and the questioning of future prisoner releases. The talks are also examining potential withdrawal maps for Israeli forces in the first phase and the urgent need to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza through the UN in full and without conditions.
Security arrangements and governance in Gaza
Trump’s plan envisions an international security presence in Gaza and, eventually, governance by a technocratic committee with high-level oversight roles for Western and regional leaders. Hamas and other Palestinian factions have rejected foreign administration, arguing for sovereignty and resistance against what they call occupation and domination.
<h2 Humanitarian concerns amid stalled hostilities
UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated an urgent call to end hostilities, highlighting the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. The plan aims to surge humanitarian relief into the territory, where more than two million Palestinians face hunger, with assistance routed through established channels such as Jordan and Israel’s ports.
<h2 Outlook and potential obstacles
Despite international backing for its framework, significant obstacles remain. Hamas insists on maintaining its resistance stance and has warned against any foreign administration of Gaza, while Israel has long demanded Hamas disarmament. The proposal to disarm groups, determine the scope of Israeli withdrawal, and establish governance in Gaza are all points of contention that could stretch into a protracted negotiation process.
<h2 International reactions and the way forward
Qatar’s foreign ministry highlighted the need for realistic interpretation of the plan’s clauses on the ground. The talks follow earlier ceasefires in 2023 and 2025 that collapsed after short durations, underscoring the fragility of any agreement and the importance of measurable, verifiable steps toward a durable ceasefire and humanitarian relief.
<h2 Conclusion
As the U.S. delegation engages with Egyptian hosts and regional partners, the focus remains on achieving a ceasefire, freeing hostages, and facilitating humanitarian aid while navigating divergent security and governance visions. The coming days will reveal whether a cohesive framework can emerge from high-stakes diplomacy and the willingness of all sides to compromise for Gaza’s civilians.
