Cairo: Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas have begun in Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh, aimed at reaching a Gaza ceasefire and securing a hostage-prisoner exchange, according to Egyptian state-linked media reports.

Al-Qahera News, a network associated with Egypt’s state intelligence, reported that delegations from both sides "are discussing preparing ground conditions for the release of detainees and prisoners," in line with a peace proposal put forward by US President Donald Trump to end the ongoing war in Gaza.

Talks focused on ceasefire and exchange

The discussions, facilitated by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, are centred on implementing the first phase of the proposed ceasefire. This includes a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel, according to a Hamas statement.

"Egyptian and Qatari mediators are working with both sides to establish a mechanism" for the exchange, Al-Qahera News added. The station said the talks began with a meeting between Arab mediators and the Hamas delegation, followed by separate discussions with the Israeli side. Mediators are expected to review the outcomes with US representatives later in the process.

High-level delegations and mediators present

An Egyptian official confirmed that the meetings were underway on Monday afternoon, though he spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to comment publicly. Hamas’ delegation is led by Khalil al-Hayya, who survived an alleged Israeli assassination attempt in Qatar last month, while Israel’s team is headed by senior negotiator Ron Dermer.

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner are also expected to participate in the mediation process, Egypt’s state-run Al-Ahram newspaper reported.

Casualties and humanitarian toll

Israel’s war on Gaza, which began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, has killed at least 67,160 Palestinians and wounded 169,679 others, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Thousands remain missing and are believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.

The ministry, which operates under Hamas, does not distinguish between civilians and fighters but says women and children account for nearly half of the casualties. The United Nations and several independent experts regard its data as the most reliable available estimate of wartime losses.

In Israel, around 1,139 people were killed in the October 7 attacks, and about 200 were taken hostage. Hamas abducted a total of 251 individuals during the assault, most of whom have since been freed through previous ceasefire and exchange deals.

Trump’s peace proposal and expected outcomes

The renewed diplomatic push follows Hamas’ announcement that it had accepted parts of the US peace proposal – a development welcomed by President Trump. Israel also expressed support for the initiative.

Under the proposed terms, Hamas would release the remaining 48 hostages – around 20 of whom are believed to still be alive – within three days. The plan also calls for Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza and disarm, paving the way for a lasting truce.

Vatican urges end to violence

Meanwhile, the Vatican has marked the first anniversary of the October 7 attacks with a strong appeal for peace, denouncing both Hamas’ initial assault and Israel’s military response.

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, speaking to Vatican Media, said, “Those who are attacked have a right to defend themselves, but even legitimate defense must respect the principle of proportionality.” He described the ongoing bombardment of Gaza as “a disproportionate massacre” and urged nations to stop supplying weapons to Israel.

“It seems evident that the war waged by the Israeli army to eliminate Hamas militants disregards the fact that it is targeting a largely defenseless population, already pushed to the brink, in an area where buildings and homes are reduced to rubble,” he said. Parolin added that the Holy See “welcomed and supported Trump’s peace plan.”

As talks continue in Egypt, mediators hope to establish the first framework for ending nearly two years of war that has devastated the Gaza Strip and strained international diplomacy.

(With inputs from AP)