The first round of discussions between 'Israeli'-Hamas delegations and Egyptian and Qatari mediators concluded Monday evening in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in what was described as a “positive atmosphere.”

 

The talks focused on mechanisms for implementing US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza.

 

The White House stated that US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are in Egypt, while reports indicated that they're committed to remaining in Egypt until a deal is reached.

 

“There are technical talks happening right now in Egypt among Special Envoy Witkoff and Mr. [Jared] Kushner as well as respective parties from all sides,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a briefing.

 

Hamas officials highlighted to the mediators that ongoing 'Israeli' airstrikes in the Gaza Strip pose a major challenge to identifying the locations of captives and ensuring their safe release.

 

Among those participating in the negotiations were Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin, both of whom survived previous 'Israeli' assassination attempts in Qatar.

 

The mediation effort, led by Egypt and Qatar, aims to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and establish procedures for a prisoner exchange, with international attention closely focused on the outcome of the talks.