Israel-Gaza ceasefire talks underway in Egypt as Israel marks anniversary of October 7 attack: Latest
Israelis prepared to mourn the dead on Tuesday as the nation marks two years since Hamas’ 7 October attack plunged the region into a devastating war, while Israel and Hamas hold indirect talks in Egypt.
Donald Trump has said “tremendous progress” has been made after talks on a Gaza peace plan got underway between Israel and Hamas in Egypt.
An Egyptian official with knowledge of the talks said the parties wrapped up the first round of negotiations after several hours at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday, and the discussions were set to resume the following afternoon, the day of the conflict’s anniversary.
The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the parties have agreed on most of the first-phase terms, which include the release of hostages and establishing a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Israel is still pounding Gaza with deadly airstrikes despite the US president’s order to stop. Gaza’s health ministry said the Palestinian death toll reached 67,160 on Monday. The war began following Hamas’ 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel, which killed nearly 1,200 people.
