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First phase of Middle East talks between the Palestinian group and intermediaries have concluded in the Arab Republic “in a constructive environment”, according to Egyptian state-linked media early on the weekday.

Al-Qahera News, which is linked to state intelligence, reported the discussions will resume on the following day, additionally between the militant faction and mediators in the tourist destination of Sharm El-Sheikh, where an representatives from Israel arrived on the previous day.

Israel and Hamas are expected to participate in mediated discussions on the specifics of a plan by American leader Donald Trump for a captive-detainee exchange and long-term ceasefire.

Trump’s 20-point proposal specifies an instant halt in hostilities, an swap of all captives held by Hamas for detainees from Palestine held by Israel, a staged pullout of Israeli forces from Gaza, the disarmament of the group and the introduction of a interim administration led by an global organization.

One of Hamas’s primary demands since the beginning of the conflict has been a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory in return for the freeing of the outstanding captives. And while the armed faction has signaled its willingness to relinquish governing control, it has consistently rejected laying down arms.

In this initial stage of negotiations, Middle Eastern mediators are working with both sides to establish foundational terms for the liberation of the still held 48 Israeli hostages held in Gaza in return for one thousand seven hundred Palestinian prisoners held in prisons in Israel, and to determine the date of a short-term ceasefire.

This round of negotiations is expected to be difficult and complex, and could last for a number of days, according to sources. Further additional information on the discussions shortly.

The talks come as Israelis across the nation get ready to mark the second commemoration of the 7 October Hamas-led assaults on Israel’s southern region, in which about twelve hundred individuals, mostly civilians, were slain and two hundred fifty-one taken hostage.

Uncertainty Remains Over Peace Agreement

Although there are positive signs about this effort to achieve an conclusion to the conflict in Israel, there persists uncertainty over if a agreement can be reached and, crucially, maintained.

Hamas has in part accepted the US president’s twenty-point proposal, which Israel has accepted, but there are still significant obstacles that need resolving, including the post-war administration of Gaza, the extent of withdrawal of Israeli forces and the group’s demilitarization.

Mediators have to decide which Palestinian prisoners will be released from prisons in Israel. The representatives from Palestine is expected to request political figures, such as the figurehead a well-known detainee, who are widely popular in the West Bank and Gaza.

Rightwing members of Netanyahu’s coalition have put pressure on to make sure such influential individuals remain behind bars, Israeli media has stated.

A far-right minister, the far-right public security minister, threatened to quit the government if Hamas still existed after the release of hostages, adding another hurdle to already delicate negotiations.