United States, Turkey and Qatar join a pivotal third day of talks
Negotiations aimed at ending the Gaza war entered a crucial third day as delegates from the United States, Turkey and Qatar prepared to join Hamas and Israeli negotiators in indirect talks. The discussions are taking place in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh, built around a 20-point plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The presence of regional powers alongside the two warring sides underscores the international effort to broker a sustainable ceasefire and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Key players and context
The negotiations, described by AFP as a gathering with several high-profile attendees, bring together Qatar’s prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Turkey’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, Trump’s special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, alongside representatives from Hamas and the Israeli side. The talks mark a notable convergence of regional diplomacy and U.S. mediation, reflecting Washington’s ongoing push to secure a pause in hostilities and a pathway to hostage release.
Why Sharm El-Sheikh?
Sharm El-Sheikh has emerged as a recurring venue for high-stakes diplomacy in the Gaza crisis, offering a neutral ground where indirect negotiations can proceed with some degree of international oversight. The Trump-advised 20-point framework provides a structured basis for discussions, though substantial obstacles remain, including security assurances, humanitarian access, and the terms of any long-term ceasefire.
The human stakes and the broader backdrop
The talks come as Israel marks the second anniversary of Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, which killed more than 1,200 people and displaced many more. Militants also seized hundreds of hostages, complicating any ceasefire agreement with demands for safe releases. The international community has intensified calls for a ceasefire amid rising casualties and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where a UN-declared famine risks deepening if aid flows are disrupted or blocked.
What’s on the agenda beyond the ceasefire
In addition to stopping the fighting, negotiators are grappling with broader humanitarian and regional concerns. Key issues include safe corridors for aid, the protection of civilians, and the fate of the hostages. While recent statements from U.S. leadership hint at optimism, there is broad awareness that any accord must be verifiable and resilient to shifting security dynamics on the ground.
Other developments in the region
Beyond the talks, the region has witnessed ongoing tensions and incidents connected to the Gaza war. Israel reported intercepting new Gaza-bound aid flotillas as activists pressed for humanitarian relief to reach Gaza’s hospitals. In the West Bank and East Jerusalem, Israeli forces continued counter-terrorism operations, drawing international scrutiny and highlighting the fragile security environment surrounding the negotiations.
Looking ahead
As the third day unfolds, observers will watch for signs of progress or potential stumbling blocks in the Trump-backed framework. The involvement of U.S., Turkish and Qatari officials signals a coordinated effort to press for a durable ceasefire and a credible path to hostage release. The outcome remains uncertain, but many analysts say that any tangible step toward a halt in hostilities could alter the momentum of the conflict and shape regional diplomacy in the weeks ahead.
