Saturday, March 29, 2025
Cairo, Oct 6, 2025 (AFP inputs): Efforts to end nearly two years of war in Gaza have gained momentum after U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled his long-awaited peace plan. Negotiators from both Israel and Hamas have arrived in Egypt for critical talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire and securing the release of hostages.
Despite the diplomatic push, Israel’s continued bombardment of Gaza has drawn sharp criticism from Washington. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt airstrikes, warning that hostage exchanges cannot proceed in the middle of ongoing attacks.
In a post on his TruthOut social platform, Trump emphasized urgency:
“There have been very positive discussions this weekend with Hamas and countries around the world—Arab, Muslim, and others—about freeing hostages, ending the war in Gaza, and most importantly, achieving the long-sought peace in the Middle East. I’ve been told the first phase should be completed this week. I’m urging everyone to move quickly. Time is very important, otherwise there will be massive bloodshed—something nobody wants to see.”
Trump added that he would personally monitor the “centuries-old conflict” to ensure progress.
According to AFP, a senior Hamas official said the group is ready to move forward:
Prisoner exchange: Hamas demanded an immediate start to swapping Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
War end goal: The group expressed eagerness to finalize an agreement to end hostilities and adjust conditions in Gaza.
Negotiators believe the U.S. plan could serve as a roadmap for phased peace, beginning with humanitarian steps and exchanges, followed by a long-term truce.
While Netanyahu expressed hope that hostages could be freed within days, American frustration is mounting. Rubio, speaking to CBS, stated:
“You can’t release hostages amid heavy bombing. The airstrikes must stop. There cannot be war in the middle of these negotiations.”
Foreign ministers from Egypt and other nations hosting the talks said discussions at a Red Sea resort had created a “real opportunity” to secure a lasting ceasefire.
