Peace talks between Israel and Hamas recommenced in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on October 7, 2025, marking the two-year anniversary of the militant group's surprise attack on Israel. This assault, which occurred on October 7, 2023, ignited a violent conflict that has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza. The discussions are indirectly mediated and focus on a plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at concluding the ongoing war in Gaza.
The second day of negotiations follows several hours of talks that began on October 6, where an Egyptian official mentioned that both parties have largely agreed on the initial terms, including the release of hostages and establishing a ceasefire. The source spoke anonymously to discuss the confidential meetings. President Trump expressed optimism about achieving a lasting peace deal in the Middle East, emphasizing that "Gaza is a big deal" in achieving this broader goal.
Significant uncertainties remain regarding the conditions set for a ceasefire, particularly the demand for Hamas to disarm and the governance structure for Gaza in the future. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently insisted that Hamas must surrender and disarm, although there has been no public response from Hamas about their willingness to comply. The framework of Trump's proposal includes an Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza contingent upon Hamas disarming, paired with the establishment of an international security force to oversee the governance of the region, potentially under the supervision of Trump and former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023, resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities, predominantly civilians, alongside 251 individuals being abducted by Hamas. The ensuing conflict has tragically claimed the lives of 67,160 Palestinians and caused nearly 170,000 injuries, as reported by Gaza's Health Ministry. This institution is connected to the Hamas-led government, and while it does not distinguish between combatants and civilians, it asserts that over half of the fatalities were women and children. Many experts, including those observing the situation for the United Nations, have claimed that Israel's military operations in Gaza amount to genocide, an accusation firmly rejected by Israel.
On this anniversary, thousands of Israelis convened at the site of the original attack to honor their loved ones killed and kidnapped. As they memorialized, an explosion from Gaza was heard in the vicinity, attributed to a rocket launch, although no injuries or damages were reported. Meanwhile, residents in Gaza City reported ongoing Israeli strikes into the early hours of October 7, 2025, but did not indicate any immediate casualties from these attacks.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a halt to hostilities, describing the situation as a humanitarian catastrophe of extraordinary proportions. He asserted that Trump’s proposal provides a critical opportunity to end this tragic conflict, stressing the need for a permanent ceasefire and a credible political process to avert further violence and pave the way for peace. International law, he noted, must be upheld.
Throughout the negotiations, mediators from Qatar and Egypt engaged with both sides, initially meeting with Hamas representatives and later with Israeli delegates. The Israeli team included Gal Hirsch, the coordinator for hostages from Netanyahu's office, while Hamas was represented by Khalil Al-Hayya, their chief negotiator. U.S. officials, including envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, participated actively to ensure the president remained fully informed of the developments.
The expeditious conclusion of the talks is encouraged, though no specific deadline has been established, as highlighted by a White House spokesperson. A major component of the peace plan is the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza, where over two million Palestinians are reported to be facing severe hunger and potential famine. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric confirmed the organization’s readiness to deliver aid as soon as allowed, with supplies ready to enter from Jordan, the Israeli port of Ashdod, and other locations.
