Hamas and Israel Begin Historic Peace Talks in Egypt Under Trump’s Gaza Plan: A

Introduction: A Defining Moment for the Middle East

In a historic diplomatic development, Israel and Hamas have opened ceasefire and peace negotiations in Cairo, Egypt, under the new Gaza Peace Plan brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. The talks, which began early Tuesday, have been described as “intense yet cautiously hopeful” by mediators. This marks the first serious attempt at ending the year-long Gaza war since it erupted in 2024, following one of the most violent escalations in the region’s history.

Trump’s involvement has dramatically shifted the political landscape, as Washington reasserts its role in Middle East peacemaking. “The chance of a deal is really good,” Trump told reporters, signaling optimism after months of behind-the-scenes shuttle diplomacy involving the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar.

Backdrop: How a Missile Strike Sparked a Push for Peace

According to The Wall Street Journal, the turning point came after a missile strike on southern Israel in late September that killed three civilians and provoked intense global condemnation. In a surprising twist, both sides began showing signs of willingness to discuss a ceasefire. U.S. sources revealed that Trump personally called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatari officials—who act as intermediaries with Hamas—to push for de-escalation.

The strike “unlocked a deal for peace,” as the WSJ put it, compelling both Israel and Hamas to reconsider their strategies amid mounting humanitarian and political pressure.

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that 10 Palestinians were killed in Gaza even as talks began in Egypt—an indicator of the fragile truce environment surrounding the negotiations.

Inside Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan: Key Provisions

The White House released the full text of the Gaza Peace Plan on September 30, which was later published by The New York Times.
The plan proposes:

• A full ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, monitored by an international coalition led by Egypt and the United States.

• Gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from key areas in Gaza in exchange for verified disarmament by Hamas.

• Hostage exchange mechanism, including the release of Israeli civilians held by Hamas in return for Palestinian prisoners.

• A joint humanitarian reconstruction fund worth $15 billion, to be managed by the U.N., Qatar, and the U.S.

• Political recognition talks, which could pave the way for a longer-term two-state framework if the ceasefire holds for 12 months.

The plan’s ambitious scope has drawn both praise and skepticism. The Economist called it a “knife-edge moment in the Middle East,” while The Conversation listed “five big problems” with the plan, citing doubts over enforceability and political will.

Tense Moments Between Trump and Netanyahu

A central subplot in these talks is Trump’s rocky relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Reports from Axios, India Today, and The New Indian Express revealed that Trump lost patience with Netanyahu during a recent call, telling him to “stop being so f***ing negative” and “take the win” after Hamas signaled readiness for peace.

According to The Times of Israel, Trump later clarified his remarks, saying he was “pretty sure there will be a Gaza deal” and denied being disrespectful.
Meanwhile, Bloomberg and CBS News reported that Hamas has agreed to release Israeli hostages but with conditions related to prisoner exchanges and safe passage guarantees.

Trump’s assertive tone has been seen as both a pressure tactic and a display of confidence in his ability to broker deals. The Atlantic observed that Trump is “successfully bullying Netanyahu into peace,” while Politico noted that the Israeli leader feels “isolated” amid U.S. and regional pressure.

Who’s Leading the Negotiations?

According to Mint, three main figures are steering the talks:

• Ron Dermer, Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs and a close Netanyahu ally.

• Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas’s deputy political chief.

• Jared Kushner, Trump’s senior adviser, reprising his role from the 2020 Abraham Accords.

The Egyptian intelligence service, led by Abbas Kamel, is mediating, with Qatari diplomats facilitating communication channels with Hamas.
UN officials have confirmed that a “major aid operation is ready to go” if the ceasefire is formalized (UN News).

Humanitarian Stakes: Gaza on the Brink

The humanitarian dimension of this conflict cannot be overstated. The United Nations, Red Crescent, and WHO report that Gaza’s civilian infrastructure is collapsing after a year of continuous bombardment. The Guardian and BBC documented the human toll, noting over 35,000 Palestinian deaths since the conflict began, alongside 1,400 Israeli casualties from October 2024’s initial Hamas assault.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres described Trump’s initiative as “an opportunity to end suffering in Gaza” (Anadolu Agency). However, humanitarian groups warn that without immediate aid access, a ceasefire alone will not prevent famine and medical crises.

The Egyptian Mediation Effort

Egypt, a historical broker in Middle East conflicts, has once again become the epicenter of diplomacy. Mathrubhumi English reported that the first round of talks ended in a “positive atmosphere”, while DW and Reuters highlighted key sticking points, including:

• The timing of Israeli troop withdrawal.

• Security guarantees for Hamas leaders.

• International monitoring of reconstruction funds.

Despite tensions, Cairo’s mediators are optimistic. Egyptian state media reported that both sides are “closer to an agreement than ever before.”

Global Reaction and Political Ripples

World leaders are watching closely. According to The Guardian, Russian President Vladimir Putin has discussed the Gaza plan with Netanyahu, signaling potential coordination between Moscow and Washington—a rare alignment.
Daily Sabah reported that Turkey’s President Erdoğan is “working hard to secure Gaza deal,” while ThePrint revealed Qatar’s quiet role in ensuring Hamas’s engagement by offering a “new security umbrella.”

Back in the U.S., reactions have been divided. Deccan Herald cautioned that Trump’s effort “requires focus and stamina, not Nobel distractions,” hinting at speculation over a potential Nobel Peace Prize nomination.

Ceasefire Prospects: ‘Move Fast or Face Bloodshed’

Trump’s blunt warnings continue to shape the tone of the talks. “Move fast, or massive bloodshed will follow,” he said, according to Fox News and Sky News. He also threatened “complete obliteration” if Hamas fails to disarm (USA Today).
These remarks, while controversial, underline the urgency Trump is projecting—both to cement his foreign policy legacy and to stabilize the region.

Conclusion: A Fragile Hope Amid History

As talks continue in Cairo, the world watches a delicate balance unfold. The stakes are monumental—an end to one of the deadliest modern conflicts, restoration of stability to Gaza, and potentially a new chapter in U.S.–Middle East relations.

For now, both Israel and Hamas remain cautiously engaged, with mediators confirming progress on key issues such as hostage exchange and ceasefire logistics. Whether Trump’s unorthodox diplomacy delivers a lasting peace or simply another fleeting truce remains to be seen.

As The Economist aptly summarized:

“The next few days could determine whether Gaza begins to rebuild—or burns again.”