US Envoys, Regional Leaders Continue Gaza Peace Talks on Day Three
Ongoing negotiations between U.S. envoys and regional leaders have entered their third day in Sharm el-Sheikh, focusing on easing tensions in Gaza. This round of talks aims to resolve the two-year-old conflict and establish a framework for lasting peace.
Key Participants in the Negotiations
Significant figures have joined the discussions in an effort to foster a comprehensive agreement:
- Witkoff and Kushner: Former Trump Middle East advisers who arrived early on Wednesday.
- Abdul Fattah al-Sisi: President of Egypt, who expressed optimism about the U.S. delegations’ presence.
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani: Prime Minister of Qatar.
- Ibrahim Kalin: Director of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organisation.
- Ron Dermer: Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister, representing the Israeli government.
- Hamas Representatives: Included members from Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).
Goals of the Talks
The discussions revolve around several key issues:
- The withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
- Exchange of hostages for Palestinian detainees.
- Establishing mechanisms to end the ongoing war.
Hostage and Prisoner Exchange Proposals
A senior Hamas official stated that a list of Palestinian prisoners had been submitted to the Israeli side. This list includes prominent figures who Hamas seeks to have released in exchange for 48 hostages still held in Gaza. Among the prisoners listed are:
- Marwan Barghouti: Convicted for orchestrating attacks that resulted in civilian deaths, currently serving five life sentences.
- Ahmad Saadat: Leader of the PFLP, sentenced to 30 years for heading an “illegal terrorist organization.”
Reports indicate that up to 20 hostages are still alive, raising the stakes in these negotiations.
Optimism for Peace
Egyptian President al-Sisi has labeled the U.S. negotiators’ engagement as “very encouraging.” Their strong mandate aims to leverage international support to foster a peaceful resolution to the conflict. With varying regional interests at play, the next few days will be crucial in determining the direction of these discussions.
