Hamas, Israel Set for Renewed Indirect Talks in Egypt Over Ceasefire, Prisoner Swap
Hamas’s deputy leader Khalil al-Hayya arrived in Egypt on Sunday to lead the group’s delegation in renewed indirect negotiations with Israel over a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange deal in Gaza.
The high-level meetings, scheduled to begin Monday in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, mark Hayya’s first public engagement since Israel targeted him and other Hamas leaders in air strikes on Doha last month.
In a statement announcing his arrival, Hamas said its delegation would “begin negotiations on mechanisms for a ceasefire, the withdrawal of occupation forces, and a prisoner exchange.”
Both sides have reportedly expressed cautious support for a peace roadmap proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which outlines a phased cessation of hostilities in Gaza, the release of Israeli captives, and the exchange of Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons.
According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, Israel’s delegation will depart for Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday to participate in the discussions.
Trump has dispatched his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his senior adviser and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to assist in finalising the framework.
Earlier on Sunday, Hayya appeared in a pre-recorded television address aired in Qatar, his first since the Doha strikes that killed six people, including his son.
He avoided direct reference to the upcoming negotiations, focusing instead on mourning his family’s loss.
The targeted strikes on Doha, which were intended to eliminate senior Hamas officials, drew global criticism and diplomatic friction.
U.S. President Trump publicly rebuked Israel over the incident, while Netanyahu issued an apology to Qatar, whose mediation role remains central to the ongoing talks.
The renewed diplomatic effort follows months of failed ceasefire attempts and continued violence in Gaza, where humanitarian conditions have deteriorated amid persistent blockades and air strikes. Egypt and Qatar are expected to maintain their roles as mediators throughout the latest round of negotiations.
