Last Updated:
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for the release of the hostages by Hamas on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks.
The discussions are focused on preparing the ground for a potential exchange of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
The discussions between Hamas and mediators will continue on Tuesday “amid a positive atmosphere,” according to Egypt media reports.
The indirect talks between Israel and Palestine negotiators began in Sharm El-Sheikh on Monday to discuss the terms of a US-proposed plan for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Recommended Stories
According to Al-Qahera News, which is close to Egypt’s intelligence services, the discussions are focused on preparing the ground for a potential exchange of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. The talks are being held behind closed doors, with Egyptian and Qatari mediators shuttling between the two sides.
The discussions are based on a proposal from US President Donald Trump to halt hostilities and initiate a broader peace process.
Trump’s plan includes the disarmament of Hamas and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, in return for the release of hostages and political transition in the territory.
Hamas’s delegation is being led by senior negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, who recently survived an Israeli strike in Doha. He met with Egyptian intelligence officials before the negotiations began, according to an Egyptian security source.
This round of talks comes on the eve of the second anniversary of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, which triggered the war.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for the release of the hostages by Hamas on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks.
“Time does not diminish the evil we saw that day,” Starmer said of the October 7 massacre. “The brutal, cold blooded torture and murder of Jews in their own homes. And the taking of hostages, including British citizens, some of whom remain in Gaza today.”
“Release the hostages. Surge aid into Gaza. And a ceasefire that can lead to a lasting and just peace as a step towards a two-state solution,” he added.
This comes after the UK government formally recognised a Palestinian government.
“We welcome the US initiative towards peace in the Middle East, and this government will do everything in our power to bring about the day where every child of Israel can live peacefully, alongside their Palestinian neighbors, in safety and security,” Starmer added.
Egypt
October 07, 2025, 05:06 IST
Loading comments…
Read More
 "US government shutdown drags on as Senate fails to pass funding bill for the fifth time")
