Israel, Hamas to meet in Egypt to discuss Trump's peace plan

Cairo meeting could be first step towards ending war in Gaza

Israel and the Palestinian movement Hamas are preparing to meet in Egypt on Monday to discuss a proposed Donald Trump's peace plan, aimed at ending hostilities in the Gaza Strip. This is reported by the agency Bloomberg citing sources familiar with the negotiations.

Details of the meeting

According to the publication, the meeting will be held with the participation of Egyptian intermediaries, as well as observers from the United States and Qatar, who have repeatedly participated in negotiations between the parties to the conflict.

It is expected that the key points of the negotiations will be temporary ceasefire and the gradual exchange of prisoners.

Hamas representatives said that they were ready to consider the initiative if it provided for «the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza» and admission of humanitarian aid.

Trump's peace plan

Offer Donald Trump, according to Bloomberg, includes phased cessation of hostilities under international control, the exchange of hostages and Establishment of a joint coordination committee to manage humanitarian issues in the sector.

The former US president positions this plan as a «realistic alternative» to the protracted war that has already claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Reaction of the parties

Israel has not yet officially confirmed its participation in the meeting, but government sources said that the country is ready to «listen to the proposals of its allies».

In turn, Hamas representatives called the initiative «a possible chance for a just peace», but noted that will not accept any plan without guarantees of Israeli withdrawal.

Context.

The negotiations are taking place against the backdrop of Deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and growing pressure from the international community on both sides.
Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been trying to resume dialogue between Israel and Hamas for several months now, but have not yet succeeded in reaching a sustainable truce.