US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, will participate in peace talks in Egypt on Wednesday aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Their involvement comes after a second day of indirect negotiations ended without significant progress, according to a senior Palestinian official.
As Israel marks the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks by Hamas, Trump suggested there might be potential for peace in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refrained from commenting on the talks’ status but emphasized that Israel is in “fateful days of decision.” He also stated that Israel intends to achieve specific objectives, including the return of hostages and the dismantling of Hamas’s control.
Witkoff and Kushner are expected to arrive in Egypt after departing the US on Tuesday evening. Additionally, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, viewed as a key mediator, will join the discussions, aiming to advance the ceasefire plan and the release of hostages. The head of Turkish intelligence is also anticipated to attend.
A senior Palestinian official noted that while the initial session of talks failed to yield results, mediators are striving to bridge the gaps between the parties. The discussions are reportedly centered on a permanent ceasefire, hostage exchanges, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, humanitarian aid arrangements, and post-war governance.
Chief Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya expressed that Hamas is prepared for serious negotiations but requires “real guarantees” from Trump and the international community. Similarly, senior Hamas official Fawzi Barhoum indicated that negotiators are working to eliminate obstacles to reach an agreement that meets the Palestinian people’s aspirations.
In the backdrop of these negotiations, a UN Secretary General message described the peace proposal as a “historic opportunity” to resolve the conflict. Recent opinion polls indicate that approximately 70% of Israelis support ending the war in exchange for the release of hostages. Since the conflict intensified following the October 7 attacks, there have been significant casualties on both sides, raising concerns regarding humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdjzvlxp8mjo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss