TDT | Sharm El-Sheikh
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Hamas has urged a rapid start to a hostage-prisoner exchange with Israel as negotiators from both sides convene in Egypt for pivotal discussions aimed at ending nearly two years of conflict.
Foreign ministers from several nations, including Egypt, have described the talks as a "real opportunity" to secure a lasting and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza.
A senior Hamas official, speaking anonymously to AFP, said, "Hamas is very keen to reach an agreement to end the war and immediately begin the prisoner exchange process, based on current conditions on the ground."
The diplomatic push comes after Hamas responded positively to a plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, which envisions the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
Negotiations are taking place at the Egyptian resort of Sharm El-Sheikh, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing hope that hostages held in Gaza could return home within days. Netanyahu said he had instructed negotiators to travel to Egypt "to finalize the technical details." Cairo confirmed it would also host a Hamas delegation to discuss the "ground conditions and details of the exchange of all Israeli detainees and Palestinian prisoners."
According to Egyptian state-linked media, indirect talks are scheduled for Sunday and Monday, just ahead of the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack that triggered the ongoing war.
The White House has dispatched two envoys -- Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, and Middle East negotiator Steve Witkoff -- to assist in the talks.
A Palestinian source close to Hamas stated, "Hamas insists it is essential for Israel to halt military operations across Gaza, stop all air, reconnaissance, and drone activity, and withdraw from inside Gaza City. In parallel, Hamas and other resistance factions will also cease military actions."
Under Trump's plan, Israel would release 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, along with over 1,700 detainees from Gaza arrested after October 7, 2023. However, Trump warned Hamas against delays, urging the group to move swiftly toward a deal or face consequences.
Trump posted on Truth Social that Israel had agreed to an initial line of withdrawal in Gaza, shared with Hamas, and promised: "When Hamas confirms, the ceasefire will be immediately effective, the hostages and prisoner exchange will begin, and conditions for the next phase of withdrawal will be created."
Netanyahu expressed optimism, stating, "In the coming days, we will be able to bring back all our hostages... during the Sukkot holidays," referring to the week-long Jewish festival beginning Monday.