"US Envoys Rush to Gaza as Regional Leaders Join Urgent Peace Talks"

US Envoys and Regional Leaders Join Urgent Gaza Peace Talks on Third Day In a bid to end the devastating war in Gaza, which has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives, top US envoys and regional leaders joined the third day of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas in Egypt. According to sources close to the negotiations, the talks showed "cautious optimism" among officials, with both sides submitting proposals for prisoner releases and hostage exchanges. US President Donald Trump expressed hope that progress can be made, stating there is a "real chance" to achieve a peace deal in the Middle East. Key US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with Qatar's prime minister and Turkey's intelligence chief, arrived in Sharm el-Sheikh on Wednesday to join the negotiations. The talks, which resumed after a two-day break, have been ongoing since Monday. A senior Hamas official told the BBC that the negotiations had shown "the necessary positivity" and submitted a list of Palestinian demands. The official added that the talks were "a step in the right direction," but emphasized that more work was needed to reach a deal. According to Israeli officials, the negotiations have been marked by "cautious optimism." While both sides have made concessions, significant differences remain on key issues such as border security and Palestinian statehood. The US envoys are expected to play a crucial role in bridging these gaps. The Gaza war has resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life, with tens of thousands of Palestinians displaced or killed. The conflict has also had a devastating impact on the local economy, with many businesses and infrastructure damaged or destroyed. As the negotiations continue, experts say that time is running out to reach a deal. "The clock is ticking," said Dr. Ali Abunimah, a Middle East expert at Al-Akhbar newspaper. "If a deal is not reached soon, it will be difficult to prevent further escalation of violence." The next few days are critical in determining the outcome of these talks. If progress can be made, it could pave the way for a lasting peace agreement between Israel and Hamas. However, if negotiations stall, the consequences could be dire. In a statement released earlier this week, US President Donald Trump expressed his commitment to finding a solution to the conflict. "We are working tirelessly to bring an end to this senseless war," he said. "There is a real chance for peace in the Middle East, and we will do everything in our power to make it happen." The fate of Gaza hangs in the balance as these talks continue. Will the parties be able to put aside their differences and reach a deal? Only time will tell. Attribution: BBC World: "US envoys and regional figures join third day of Gaza peace talks" BREAKING: BBC Breaking: "DEVELOPING: US Envoys, Regional Leaders Join Urgent Gaza Peace Talks on Third Day" BREAKING: BBC Breaking: "DEVELOPING: US Envoys, Regional Leaders Join Urgent Gaza Peace Talks on Third Day" This story was compiled from reports by BBC World, BREAKING: BBC Breaking and BREAKING: BBC Breaking.