“High‑stakes negotiations in Cairo begin as Hamas agrees to release hostages, marking a potential turning point in the Gaza peace talks.”
In a groundbreaking move in the long-running Gaza war, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will head a high-level delegation to Cairo to sit down with Israelis and Hamas officials in immediate peace negotiations.
The immediate release of all hostages is the top priority on the agenda — a crucial step to take the peace process forward under President Donald Trump’s 20 point Gaza peace plan.
As per reports, “Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will fly to Cairo to seal the technical aspects of the hostage release and negotiate a final peace agreement.”
Diplomats view the Cairo meeting as the start of a large‑scale diplomatic effort to end the war.
Hamas has stopped short of accepting the peace deal unconditionally.
The Trump Ultimatum
The diplomatic initiative follows President Trump’s ultimatum to Hamas last Friday, calling for accepting the peace agreement by Sunday, 6 p.m. Washington D.C. time. Trump had threatened Hamas to accept the peace plan on friday.
In a shocking turn of events, Hamas replied by agreeing publicly to the peace plan offer and is ready to release all Israeli captives, both alive and dead. Hamas will sit down in mediated negotiations immediately to carry forward the exchange process.
“Hamas has committed to releasing all Israeli hostages, dead and alive, based on the exchange ratio in President Trump’s offer,” the group noted, and that this would follow upon completion of agreed conditions for the exchange. This is a significant concession and is seen as a turning point in the war.
The Role of Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner
Steve Witkoff has also been instrumental in negotiating the release of American hostages in the Middle East, establishing trust on both sides. His nomination to head the Cairo negotiations is a demonstration of Washington’s desire to use a high level and seasoned negotiator at the negotiating table.
Trump’s son-in-law and former Middle East envoy, Jared Kushner, will join Witkoff. Kushner’s presence reflects the significance of this peace initiative for the Trump administration, which has spent significant time and resources on the Gaza peace proposal.
Why This Matters
If successful, the negotiations could open the door to an unprecedented ceasefire and a blueprint for sustainable peace in Gaza. It would be a huge diplomatic achievement for the United States and possibly a critical shift in Middle East stability. For Israel, it would result in the safe release of hostages and enhanced security. For Hamas and Gaza’s civilians, it could open new avenues for political settlement and reconstruction.
As Witkoff and Kushner fly into Cairo, the world is watching. The result will determine the destiny of the Middle East and the tone for peace talks in the coming years.
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