Egypt announced that it will host delegations from Hamas and the Israeli occupation regime on Monday to discuss the “field conditions and details” of a proposed exchange involving all Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails and Israeli captives in Gaza.

The talks come under the framework of the new U.S.-backed proposal for a ceasefire in the besieged enclave, Egyptian authorities confirmed on Saturday.

According to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, Cairo hopes that the upcoming discussions will help “end the war and the suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people, which has continued for two consecutive years.” The ministry reaffirmed Egypt’s “continued and unwavering efforts, in coordination with regional and international partners, to end the Israeli war in the Gaza Strip and restore stability to the region.”

The announcement comes amid cautious optimism across the region, following months of relentless Israeli bombardment that has devastated Gaza and left much of the territory in ruins. Over 67,000 Palestinians—mostly women and children—have been killed since October 2023, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, while more than 170,000 others have been injured.

The proposed ceasefire framework, reportedly brokered through Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish mediation with U.S. involvement, includes the complete cessation of hostilities, the exchange of prisoners and detainees, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from inside the Strip.

In a sign of progress, U.S. President Donald Trump announced via his Truth Social account on Saturday that the Israeli military had “temporarily stopped the bombing in Gaza” to give a chance for the hostage exchange and the peace deal “to be completed.”

“Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off,” Trump wrote. “I will not tolerate delay … Let’s get this done, FAST.”

In another post, Trump stated that Israel has “agreed to the initial withdrawal line,” which has already been presented to Hamas negotiators. “When Hamas confirms, the ceasefire will be immediately effective, the hostages and prisoner exchange will begin, and we will create the conditions for the next phase of withdrawal,” he said.

Two U.S. envoys—Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff—departed for Cairo on Saturday to coordinate with Egyptian officials and mediators from Qatar and Türkiye. Their mission, according to White House officials, is to finalize the technical details of the 20-point ceasefire framework.

Egypt, which has historically played a key role in Gaza ceasefire negotiations, has reiterated that a comprehensive and lasting truce must include the full lifting of the Israeli blockade, the reconstruction of Gaza, and guarantees for Palestinian sovereignty over their own territory.

Cairo’s latest initiative also aligns with growing international pressure on Israel, as global outrage mounts over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The United Nations and human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned Israel’s actions as collective punishment and potential war crimes.

Sources close to the Hamas delegation told Al-Quds News that the movement welcomes any serious initiative aimed at ending the aggression but emphasized that “resistance remains the foundation of our political and national position.”

A senior Hamas official said: “We are ready for a fair and comprehensive deal that guarantees the release of all Palestinian prisoners and the end of the occupation. There will be no peace without justice for our people.”

Analysts note that the Cairo meetings could mark the most significant breakthrough in months, potentially paving the way for a phased end to the war. However, skepticism remains about Israel’s sincerity, as previous ceasefire frameworks have collapsed under Tel Aviv’s refusal to honor withdrawal or prisoner release commitments.

Meanwhile, public demonstrations in solidarity with Gaza have continued across the Muslim world, including massive rallies in Türkiye, Yemen, and Pakistan, demanding an immediate end to the genocide and full accountability for Israeli war crimes.

As Egypt prepares to host the delegations, the world watches closely—hoping that Cairo’s diplomatic efforts will finally bring an end to one of the bloodiest chapters in modern Palestinian history. (ILKHA)