Sharm El-Sheikh Talks Begin Today on Trump's Gaza Plan; US President Urges "Swift Action" for Peace

Technical negotiations for implementing the first phase of US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan are set to commence today, Monday, in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. The talks are being sponsored by Egypt, Qatar, the United States, and Turkey.

Trump Calls for Urgent Action, Warns of Bloodshed

In a post on Truth Social late Sunday-Monday, President Donald Trump asserted that "very positive" talks occurred over the weekend between Hamas and nations, including Arab and Islamic countries, concerning a deal to free hostages and end the war.

Trump indicated that technical teams would meet again today in Egypt "to review and clarify final details," noting he was informed the first phase could be completed this week. He urged all parties to "move quickly," warning that "time is of the essence, or massive bloodshed could occur – something no one wants to see."

A Hamas delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya (who survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Doha last month), arrived in Egypt Sunday for the "indirect" talks. High-level Israeli and US delegations, led by Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, are scheduled to join the talks on Wednesday.

Ambiguity in the Plan and Israeli Conditions

Regarding Hamas's position on the initiative, a source familiar with the movement's stance stated that "some clauses remain ambiguous and need further clarification," suggesting the proposal "is unorganized and requires additional discussion." The critical point of disarming Hamas was not addressed by the source.

Conversely, Trump told CNN that he promised a "complete annihilation" of Hamas if they decide to remain in power. He confirmed that Israel approved the initial withdrawal line, which was shared with Hamas, and a ceasefire would take effect immediately upon Hamas's approval.

The withdrawal map shared by Trump reveals Israel will maintain control over Rafah, the Philadelphi Corridor, Beit Hanoun, and the Khaza'a area in Khan Younis. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to Israel Hayom that the 20-point plan would only proceed after the full, prior release of all Israeli hostages. He also affirmed that the "Palestinian Authority will not govern Gaza the next day, and no representative of Hamas or the PA will participate in the administration of the strip," with Israel involved in disarmament.

15th MSF Staff Member Killed

Separately, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) announced the death of its staff member, Abdul Hamid Qaradia (43), from shrapnel wounds sustained in an Israeli strike last Thursday that also killed his colleague Omar Hayek. This raises the death toll for MSF staff in Gaza to 15 since October 7, 2023. MSF stated the staff were wearing marked vests and called the loss "a tragic reminder of the continuous disregard for civilian lives."