Politics Gaza war: negotiations begin between Israel and Hamas
Negotiators from Israel and the Islamist Hamas are holding indirect talks in Egypt today on the implementation of US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan. The talks will initially focus on the release of the remaining 48 hostages in return for a ceasefire in the Gaza war and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Other issues, including the disarmament of Hamas and an Israeli troop withdrawal from the coastal strip, are still controversial. Mediators are expected to talk to both sides.
06.10.2025, 04:59
SDA
Trump continues to press ahead with the negotiations. "I have been told that the first phase should be completed this week, and I am asking everyone to PICK UP THE PACE," the Republican wrote on the Truth Social platform. There had been "very positive talks" with Hamas and other countries this weekend to release the hostages, end the war in Gaza - but above all to achieve the long-awaited PEACE in the Middle East. Finally, he issued another threat: Time was of the essence - "OTHERWISE THERE WILL BE MASSIVE BLOOD LOSS - SOMETHING NOBODY WANTS TO SEE!"
US Secretary of State: Without disarmament, terror will return
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in the TV program "Meet the Press" on NBC News that the release of hostages is a top priority. However, long-term peace in the Gaza Strip would only be possible if terrorist groups were also disarmed. This would also involve the formation of a technocratic administration in the Gaza Strip without Hamas members.
Hamas agreed to parts of Trump's peace plan on Friday, but did not explicitly accept the demanded laying down of arms. The plan also provides for this: As soon as all hostages are released, Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and to laying down their weapons will be granted amnesty.
Delegations on their way to Egypt for talks
A delegation headed by the highest Hamas leader abroad, Chalil al-Haja, traveled to Cairo on Sunday. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that a delegation under the supervision of Minister Ron Dermer would set off on Monday for the negotiation talks in the tourist resort of Sharm el-Sheikh in the south of the Sinai Peninsula. US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner are also expected to attend the talks.
Duration of the negotiations limited
Netanyahu had previously emphasized that Israel and the US were determined to limit the negotiations with Hamas to a few days.
The newspaper "Israel Hajom" reported that the 20 hostages still alive should be released within 72 hours following an agreement. However, it could take longer for the mortal remains of the other 28 hostages to be handed over. Until an agreement is reached, there is no ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, only a "reduction of fire".
According to the Hamas-controlled health authority, dozens of Palestinians have nevertheless been killed since Trump's appeal to Israel to stop the bombardments in the Gaza Strip immediately. Trump emphasized that a ceasefire would be possible immediately if Hamas agreed to a line of retreat for the Israeli army. Israel had already approved this line. Netanyahu in turn announced that the Israeli army would control strategically important areas in the Gaza Strip until Hamas was disarmed.
Israel's hostage envoy meets with Red Cross representative
Israel's hostage envoy Gal Hirsch met with a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Sunday. Hirsch wrote on Platform X that it was a "preparatory meeting" with Julien Lerisson, head of the ICRC delegation in Israel and the Palestinian territories. In previous releases of Israeli hostages during ceasefire phases in the Gaza war, ICRC representatives had played an important role in the handover.
Relatives of hostages and released hostages held demonstrations on Sunday evening demanding an immediate end to the Gaza war and the release of their loved ones. Russian-Israeli citizen Alexander (Sasha) Trufanov, who himself was released in February, said in a speech at the "Hostages' Square" in Tel Aviv that 48 of "our brothers and sisters" had not yet returned. "We pledge here and now: We will not rest, we will not be silent until the last of them returns."
Merz sees leading role for Germany in Gaza reconstruction
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) said on the ARD program "Caren Miosga" about the US peace plan: "I hope it succeeds." The Chancellor sees a leading role for Germany in the future reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. It will be necessary to ensure as quickly as possible that the hunger does not spread further and that it is rebuilt.
Important Gulf states and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas also welcomed the plan and emphasized the importance of a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians for a lasting peace. "We must now work together to encourage both sides to work towards the full implementation of the plan," said Kallas at a meeting of EU foreign ministers with the Gulf Cooperation Council in the Emirate of Kuwait.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU), who also took part in the meeting in Kuwait, is extending his trip to the Middle East and also plans to visit Israel today. He had already met with his colleague Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani in Doha, the capital of the Gulf emirate of Qatar. Qatar had previously played an important role as a mediator.
"Everyone knows that we are on Israel's side, that we have a special responsibility for Israel, but of course also for the hostages," said the Foreign Minister on his departure from Doha about Germany's role.
The Gaza war was triggered by the massacre on October 7, 2023, in which around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 taken hostage, and which will mark its second anniversary on Tuesday. According to Hamas, over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war, including many women and children.
