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Initial round of Gaza talks between the Palestinian group and mediators have ended in Egypt “in a constructive atmosphere”, according to Egypt’s state-linked news outlets early on the weekday.

An Egyptian news source, affiliated with state intelligence, stated the discussions will resume on the following day, additionally between Hamas and intermediaries in the tourist destination of Sharm El-Sheikh, where an Israeli delegation arrived on Monday.

Israel and the Palestinian faction are expected to participate in mediated discussions on the specifics of a proposal by American leader Donald Trump for a captive-detainee exchange and extended truce.

The US president’s twenty-point proposal specifies an instant halt in hostilities, an exchange of all captives held by the Palestinian faction for detainees from Palestine held by Israel, a phased Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the disarmament of the group and the establishment of a transitional government led by an global organization.

One of the faction’s primary demands since the outset of the conflict has been a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory in exchange for the freeing of the remaining hostages. And while the Palestinian militant group has signaled its willingness to relinquish governing control, it has consistently rejected disarming.

In this first phase of negotiations, Middle Eastern intermediaries are collaborating with the two parties to establish ground conditions for the release of the remaining 48 Israeli hostages held in the enclave in exchange for one thousand seven hundred Palestinian prisoners held in prisons in Israel, and to determine the date of a short-term ceasefire.

These discussions of negotiations is anticipated to be difficult and complex, and could continue for several days, as per sources. We will have additional information on the negotiations soon.

The talks come as Israelis across the nation prepare to commemorate the two-year anniversary of the 7 October Hamas-led attacks on Israel’s southern region, in which about 1,200 people, primarily civilians, were slain and 251 captured.

Uncertainty Remains Over Peace Agreement

While there are optimistic indicators about this attempt to achieve an end to the conflict in Israel, there persists uncertainty over if a agreement can be secured and, crucially, sustained.

The Palestinian faction has partially accepted Trump’s twenty-point proposal, which Israel has agreed to, but there are still major sticking points that need addressing, including the future governance of the Gaza Strip, the extent of withdrawal of Israeli forces and Hamas’ disarmament.

Negotiators have to decide which detainees from Palestine will be released from prisons in Israel. The representatives from Palestine is expected to request prominent leaders, such as the Palestinian leader a well-known detainee, who are highly regarded in the Palestinian territory and the coastal enclave.

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

Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right government official, warned to leave the government if Hamas still remained after the freeing of hostages, introducing another hurdle to already delicate negotiations.