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First phase of Gaza negotiations between the Palestinian group and intermediaries have concluded in Egypt “amid a constructive atmosphere”, as reported by Egyptian state-linked news outlets early on Tuesday.

An Egyptian news source, affiliated with government security, reported the talks will resume on the following day, also between the militant faction and mediators in the tourist destination of Sharm El-Sheikh, where an representatives from Israel arrived on Monday.

Israel and the Palestinian faction are anticipated to participate in mediated discussions on the details of a proposal by American leader Donald Trump for a hostage-prisoner exchange and extended ceasefire.

Trump’s 20-point proposal outlines an immediate halt in hostilities, an swap of all captives held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, a phased Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the disarmament of Hamas and the establishment of a transitional government led by an global organization.

Among Hamas’s main demands since the beginning of the war has been a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory in exchange for the freeing of the remaining captives. And while the Palestinian militant group has indicated its willingness to give up governing control, it has repeatedly rejected laying down arms.

In this initial stage of negotiations, Egyptian and Qatari intermediaries are collaborating with both sides to prepare foundational terms for the release of the remaining 48 Israeli hostages held in the enclave in return for 1,700 Palestinian prisoners held in prisons in Israel, and to determine the timeline of a short-term ceasefire.

This round of talks is expected to be difficult and complicated, and could last for several days, according to reports. Further additional information on the discussions soon.

The talks occur as people in Israel across the nation get ready to commemorate the second commemoration of the October 7th Hamas-led assaults on southern Israel, in which about 1,200 individuals, mostly non-combatants, were slain and 251 captured.

Uncertainty Remains Over Peace Agreement

While there are optimistic indicators about this attempt to achieve an end to the conflict in Israel, there remains uncertainty over whether or not a agreement can be reached and, importantly, maintained.

Hamas has partially accepted the US president’s twenty-point plan, which Israel has agreed to, but there are still major obstacles that need addressing, including the post-war administration of the Gaza Strip, the extent of withdrawal of Israeli forces and the group’s demilitarization.

Mediators have to agree which Palestinian prisoners will be freed from prisons in Israel. The Palestinian delegation is expected to request prominent leaders, such as the Palestinian leader a well-known detainee, who are highly regarded in the Palestinian territory and the coastal enclave.

Conservative members of the Israeli government have put pressure on to make sure such influential individuals stay behind bars, news outlets in Israel has stated.

A far-right minister, the ultra-conservative government official, warned to quit the government if the faction still existed after the release of captives, introducing another hurdle to already fragile peace talks.