Gaza Peace Talks Intensify Amid Trump's Optimistic Assessment of US Deal Chances

Gaza Peace Plan Talks Continue Amid Optimism from Trump Egypt's Sharm El-Sheikh city hosted indirect talks between Palestinian and Israeli officials on Tuesday, as part of the ongoing efforts to reach a final agreement on the US peace plan for Gaza. The talks, which began in 2020, aim to create conditions for a possible exchange that would see the release of all Israeli hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners. According to sources close to the negotiations, the sessions are focused on "creating the field conditions" for a potential deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed hope on Saturday that the release of hostages would be announced "in the coming days." US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday that he believed there was a "really good chance" of making a lasting deal, citing progress in the talks. However, Hamas has not fully committed to the peace plan proposals, particularly regarding its disarmament and future role in Gaza's governance. The Israeli government has emphasized the importance of releasing hostages as a crucial step towards achieving a long-term agreement. A senior Israeli security source stated that the initial focus would be on hostage release, with further discussions on other aspects of the plan to follow. Background context is essential for understanding the complexities surrounding the Gaza peace talks. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing since 2007, resulting in significant human suffering and economic instability. Previous attempts at negotiations have failed due to disagreements over key issues such as territory control, prisoner releases, and the role of Hamas in governance. The US peace plan, which was unveiled in January 2020, proposes a framework for resolving the conflict through a series of steps, including the release of hostages and the establishment of a new governing authority in Gaza. While some have expressed optimism about the prospects for a deal, others remain skeptical due to concerns over Hamas's commitment to non-violence and its potential role in any future government. As the talks continue, experts are closely monitoring developments for signs of progress or setbacks. Analysts note that reaching a lasting agreement will require significant concessions from all parties involved, particularly regarding issues such as territory control and prisoner releases. The current status of the negotiations remains uncertain, with both sides maintaining their positions on key issues. However, Trump's optimism about the chances of a deal has injected new momentum into the talks, raising hopes for a potential breakthrough in the coming weeks or months. Byline: Kathryn Armstrong, Gaza correspondent *Reporting by Bbc.*