Trump Envoys Join Sharm el-Sheikh Talks as Gaza Deal Progresses

U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, landed in Sharm el-Sheikh on Wednesday morning to officially join the ongoing negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas. Their arrival marks a crucial escalation in the U.S. push to finalize the first phase of Trump’s 20-point peace plan.

Israeli officials expressed “cautious optimism” following Monday’s talks, with sources describing the initial round as “characterized by positivity.” Egyptian officials close to the negotiations indicated that if this momentum continues, the initial phase of the deal could be finalized before Friday.

According to multiple diplomatic sources, the current discussions are focused on areas of broad consensus primarily logistical coordination for the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, as well as security de-escalation mechanisms. More complex issues regarding post-war governance and disarmament are expected to follow.

An Egyptian source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the purpose of the Cairo-mediated talks is to establish concrete ground conditions for the release of hostages and Palestinian detainees, potentially initiating a domino effect toward a broader ceasefire.

Significantly, Hamas’s delegation at the talks includes Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin two senior operatives who survived a recent assassination attempt in Qatar. Despite ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, a Hamas source told mediators the group remains committed to reaching a comprehensive deal.

The Israeli delegation is led by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, with representation from the Prime Minister’s Office, Shin Bet, Mossad, IDF, and Coordinator for Captives and Missing Persons, Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch.

In a further development, Turkey’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin has also joined the summit, underscoring Ankara’s growing role as a potential mediator. Turkey has recently made contact with Hamas factions holding Israeli hostages, adding another layer to the delicate diplomatic puzzle.

With top U.S. envoys now fully engaged on the ground and regional players aligned, the sense of momentum is palpable. Trump has made clear that his administration will not leave Egypt without an agreement in place.

The stakes are high, with 48 Israeli hostages still believed to be in Gaza, and families across Israel waiting in hope. A successful first phase would mark a pivotal step toward restoring calm after two years of anguish and could open the door to a wider regional shift toward peace.

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