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Egypt will host indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas on Sunday as both sides prepare to discuss the implementation of a prisoner exchange agreement outlined in President Donald Trump's Gaza ceasefire proposal, Egyptian officials confirmed Saturday.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry announced the talks are part of "ongoing Egyptian efforts, in coordination with mediators, to end the Israeli war in Gaza." The discussions will focus on "the field conditions and details of the exchange process for all Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners, in line with President Trump's proposal."
According to the ministry, the negotiations aim to capitalize on "the regional and international momentum created by President Trump's plan to stop the war in Gaza" and bring an end to "the suffering of the Palestinian people, which has continued for two years."
State-run Al-Qahera News, citing unnamed Egyptian sources, reported that both delegations will address preparations for ground conditions in Gaza necessary for the prisoner exchange. A senior Egyptian security source confirmed that Hamas and Israeli delegations are expected to arrive in Cairo on Sunday and Monday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday he had instructed his negotiating team to travel to Egypt for "a limited number of days." In a recorded speech, Netanyahu expressed optimism about securing the release of all hostages.
"I hope that in the coming days we will be able to announce the return of all our hostages – alive and dead – in one batch, while the army remains deep inside Gaza and in the areas it controls," Netanyahu said.
The Israeli leader outlined his vision for Gaza's future, stating that "the Gaza Strip will become demilitarized either through an agreement or by military means." He claimed the second phase of any agreement would involve dismantling Hamas' military capabilities.
Netanyahu alleged he had coordinated with Trump on "an initiative that increased pressure on Hamas and led to its approval of our plan to end the war."
Hamas indicated its willingness to engage with the peace process on Friday, delivering its response to Trump's ceasefire plan and declaring readiness to release all Israeli captives. The group also expressed willingness to transfer Gaza's administration to "a technocratic Palestinian authority based on national consensus, backed by Arab and Islamic states."
Trump weighed in on the negotiations Friday through his Truth Social platform, writing that he believed Hamas was "ready for lasting peace" and urging Israel to "immediately stop bombing Gaza" to facilitate the release of Israeli captives.
The 20-point plan, unveiled by Trump on September 29, calls for the release of Israeli captives within 72 hours of Israel's approval, implementation of a ceasefire, and Hamas' disarmament.
The prisoner exchange would involve significant numbers on both sides. Israeli officials estimate 48 Israeli captives remain in Gaza, including 20 believed to be alive. Israel currently holds approximately 11,100 Palestinian prisoners, many of whom face harsh conditions according to Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations.
The conflict, which began in October 2023, has resulted in more than 67,000 Palestinian deaths, much of those being civilians, from Israeli bombardment, according to Palestinian health officials. Much of Gaza's infrastructure has been destroyed during the prolonged military campaign.
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