Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas in Sharm el-Sheikh enter 48-hour phase

The Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh has become the stage for intensive diplomatic negotiations where the issue of ending the long-running war in the Gaza Strip is being decided. Indirect talks between Israeli and Hamas delegations are being joined today by key mediators: the Prime Minister of Qatar and high-ranking representatives from Turkey, hoping to finally achieve a breakthrough. At the core of the negotiations is the 21-point peace plan of US President Donald Trump.

The US role in this process is pivotal, as confirmed by President Trump himself.

"There's a real chance we can do something," he told reporters, adding that American diplomats are actively involved in the talks. Trump also voiced a clear deadline, stressing that the next 48 hours will be decisive for the fate of Gaza. The seriousness of this statement is also evidenced by information from Axios, according to which US Special Envoy Steven Witkoff and the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner have been instructed not to leave Egypt until a final agreement on releasing hostages and ceasing military operations is reached.

The success of the negotiations, however, depends on the convergence of the parties' positions. Hamas's chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, clarified the Palestinian side's main demand: the group wants to "receive guarantees from President Trump and the sponsoring countries that the war will end once and for all." In turn, Egypt, the host of the negotiations, has expressed its full support for the process through President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

El-Sisi has even officially invited President Donald Trump to visit Egypt and personally participate in the signing of the ceasefire agreement, should one be reached. The next two days will show whether the intense diplomatic efforts will be crowned with success, bringing long-awaited peace to the region, and whether Trump will travel to Egypt.