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Initial phase of Gaza talks between Hamas and intermediaries have concluded in Egypt “amid a constructive atmosphere”, according to Egypt’s government-affiliated news outlets early on Tuesday.

An Egyptian news source, affiliated with state intelligence, reported the talks will resume on the following day, additionally between Hamas and mediators in the tourist destination of Sharm El-Sheikh, where an representatives from Israel landed on the previous day.

The Israeli government and the Palestinian faction are anticipated to participate in mediated discussions on the specifics of a proposal by American leader Donald Trump for a captive-detainee swap and extended ceasefire.

Trump’s twenty-point proposal specifies an instant halt in hostilities, an swap of all hostages held by the Palestinian faction for Palestinian prisoners held by the Israeli state, a phased pullout of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, the demilitarization of Hamas and the establishment of a transitional government led by an international body.

One of the faction’s primary demands since the beginning of the war has been a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in return for the release of the outstanding captives. And while the Palestinian militant group has signaled its readiness to give up governing control, it has consistently rejected disarming.

In this initial stage of negotiations, Egyptian and Qatari mediators are collaborating with the two parties to establish foundational terms for the liberation of the still held forty-eight captives from Israel held in Gaza in return for one thousand seven hundred Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, and to determine the timeline of a short-term ceasefire.

This round of negotiations is expected to be difficult and complicated, and could continue for a number of days, as per sources. Further additional information on the negotiations shortly.

These negotiations occur as Israelis across the nation prepare to commemorate the second anniversary of the 7 October Hamas-led attacks on Israel’s southern region, in which approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were slain and two hundred fifty-one captured.

Doubt Remains Over Ceasefire Deal

Although there are optimistic indicators about this effort to bring about an end to the conflict in Israel, there remains uncertainty over if a agreement can be secured and, importantly, maintained.

Hamas has in part agreed to Trump’s twenty-point proposal, which the Israeli government has agreed to, but there are still major sticking points that need resolving, including the future governance of Gaza, the degree of Israel’s military withdrawal and Hamas’ disarmament.

Negotiators have to decide which Palestinian prisoners will be released from Israeli jails. The Palestinian delegation is expected to ask for political figures, such as the figurehead a well-known detainee, who are widely popular in the Palestinian territory and the coastal enclave.

Rightwing members of the Israeli government have exerted influence to make sure such popular figures stay behind bars, news outlets in Israel has stated.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right government official, warned to quit the government if the faction still remained after the release of hostages, adding another hurdle to already fragile peace talks.