The second day of indirect negotiations in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh are focused on a plan proposed by President Donald Trump last week that aims to bring about an end to the war in Gaza.
After several hours of talks Monday, an Egyptian official with knowledge of the discussions said the parties agreed on most of the first-phase terms, which include the release of hostages and establishing a ceasefire. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private meetings.
The plan has received widespread international backing and Trump told reporters on Monday that he thought there was a “really good chance” of a “lasting deal.”
On Tuesday at the area attacked by Hamas two years ago, thousands of Israelis gathered to pay tribute to their loved ones who were killed and kidnapped.
The October 2023 attack set in motion a cascade of events that led Israel into combat with Iran and its allies across the region, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah terrorist group, which suffered many losses. The United States joined Israel in attacking Iran’s military and nuclear program in a 12 day war in June.
Israel has killed several terrorist leaders as well as Iranian generals and nuclear scientists, and it has vastly depleted the military capabilities of its enemies while seizing control over most of Gaza as well as parts of Lebanon and Syria.
Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until all of the captives are returned and Hamas has been disarmed.
