On Sunday, President Donald Trump expressed confidence to reporters regarding the ongoing negotiations aimed at releasing all remaining hostages held by Hamas and concluding the conflict in Gaza. He believes that these discussions will reach a successful conclusion within the next few days, a development that holds significant implications for both Israel and the broader Arab world.
The urgency of these negotiations cannot be overstated. Trump and his administration are advocating for both Israel and Hamas to swiftly implement the terms of the deal. U.S. officials have indicated that time is of the essence, as delaying these negotiations could jeopardize the entire agreement. Trump stated, “This is a great deal for Israel and for the Arab world. They are in negotiations right now. It will last a couple of days, and I am hearing it is going very well.”
During an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper, Trump reiterated his firm position, warning that Hamas would face "complete obliteration" if they did not relinquish their power in Gaza. This tough rhetoric underscores the seriousness of the negotiations and the potential consequences for Hamas if they refuse to comply.
Negotiators from Israel and Hamas are scheduled to initiate technical discussions in Egypt on Monday, focusing on implementing the first phases of Trump's plan. While progress has been made, several key differences remain, particularly regarding the scope of the initial Israeli withdrawal and the list of Palestinian prisoners slated for release. Secretary of State Rubio commented on the ongoing talks, stating, “There are discussions ongoing, which we hope will be finalized very quickly, on the logistics — who's going to go in, what time they'll be released, and how all that will work.”
Rubio emphasized the progress made thus far, noting that 90% of the work is already completed. He expressed optimism that the talks in Cairo would focus on finalizing the logistics for the hostage and prisoner exchanges, stating, “We’re hoping it will be finalized very quickly, early this week.” However, he cautioned that any delays could jeopardize the agreement, stating, “This cannot take weeks or even multiple days. We want to see this happen very fast.”
As the negotiations unfold, U.S. officials have reported that White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to join the discussions in Egypt on Tuesday or Wednesday. The progress appears positive, with efforts from all parties indicating a strong desire to reach an agreement. “Everyone is making efforts to make this succeed and are expressing confidence that we’ll reach a deal,” a U.S. official stated.
Rubio also highlighted the broader implications of the conflict, noting that Israel's international standing has been affected by the prolonged war in Gaza. He stated, “The President's observation is that because of the length of this war and how it’s gone, we have seen the impact on Israel’s global standing.” Furthermore, during various interviews, Rubio reaffirmed the Trump administration's support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the need for negotiations under secure conditions.
While the path to peace remains complex, the ongoing negotiations present a critical opportunity for both Israel and Hamas. As discussions continue, the world watches closely, hopeful for a resolution that prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of hostages and fosters stability in the region.
