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Negotiators from Türkiye, Egypt, Qatar, the United States and Israel convened in Egypt this week for high-stakes discussions aimed at ending the war in Gaza, with multiple officials expressing cautious optimism that a deal could be reached within days.
The talks, which began early Wednesday with senior delegations, are addressing critical issues including a hostage-prisoner exchange, guarantees for halting Israeli attacks on Gaza, Israeli military withdrawal from the territory, and humanitarian aid access to the enclave.
Egyptian and Qatari mediators moved to consultation sessions with the U.S. and Israeli delegations following their meeting with Hamas representatives, according to Egypt's Cairo Al-Ekhbariya television channel.
Turkish National Intelligence Organization chief Ibrahim Kalın joined Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Egyptian Intelligence Chief Hassan Mahmoud Rashad as mediators in the indirect negotiations.
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On the Israeli side, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer is leading the delegation. The United States dispatched Middle East Special Representative Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, former adviser and son-in-law to President Donald Trump, who arrived Wednesday morning local time.
According to unnamed sources cited in the Egyptian broadcast, discussions have focused on lists of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli facilities who would be released in any exchange. The sources also noted that Trump has requested clarification of details regarding the Gaza ceasefire plan.
Two White House officials said there has been good progress and an agreement could be reached within days. A senior Israeli official offered a similar assessment: "There is progress. We feel cautious optimism."
A source familiar with the talks indicated the goal is to announce an agreement this week and begin releasing Israeli hostages next week. Qatari mediators believe an agreement can be reached by Friday, according to the source.
However, Israeli officials cast doubt on suggestions from Türkiye's foreign minister that a ceasefire could be announced as early as Wednesday.
Any initial agreement would focus on the hostage and prisoner exchange, Israeli military withdrawal and ending hostilities in Gaza. More contentious issues—including the disarmament of Hamas and Gaza's future governance structure—would be negotiated separately at a later stage.
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