October 6, 2025

Big news from the Middle East as Israel and Hamas prepare for secret talks in Egypt! After two years since the Hamas attack started the war, hopes for peace and a hostage release are lighting up the sky. This Monday, a special team led by Israeli negotiator Ron Dermer is heading to Sharm el-Sheikh, where they will meet the Hamas delegation, which has already arrived. Why the buzz? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted that a hostage release could be announced this week. Hamas might free 48 hostages, with around 20 still alive, within three days if they agree to the U.S. peace plan. This plan asks Hamas to give up its power and weapons. The U.S. is deeply involved, with envoy Steve Witkoff joining the talks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told ABC that this is "the closest we've come to getting all of the hostages released." He explained that first the hostages will be freed, then Israel will pull back from Gaza to the "yellow line," where it was before August. The U.S. plan also talks about Gaza’s future. Donald Trump sent a strong message: if Hamas stays in control, there would be "complete obliteration." Yet, he also said Netanyahu agrees to end the bombings and bring peace "soon on the rest." Inside Israel, the government is watching these days closely, hoping for a quick deal. Netanyahu is in "regular contact" with Trump, and talks in Egypt could last just a few days, said spokeswoman Shosh Badrosian. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar expressed hope for a hostage deal better than the one in January. Near Netanyahu's home in Jerusalem, families of hostages wait anxiously. Michel Ilouz, father of captive Guy Ilouz, pleaded, "We cannot allow such a historic agreement to be sacrificed again." Meanwhile, around the world, hundreds of thousands marched to support Palestinians. Eight Muslim countries’ foreign ministers praised the ceasefire steps and want the Palestinian Authority to return to Gaza, uniting Gaza and the West Bank for full Israeli withdrawal. Rubio mentioned that talks on Gaza’s future government could happen alongside the ceasefire, promising a lasting peace. However, the war is still fierce. On Sunday, despite Trump ordering a stop to bombing, strikes continued. Gaza’s hospitals reported at least 12 deaths, including attacks near aid centers and deadly hits on medical staff. The Palestinian death toll reached a grim 67,139, with nearly 170,000 injured, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Israel warns of more fighting if peace talks fail. Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said, "if the political effort does not succeed, we will return to fight." Inside Gaza, people suffer greatly. Mahmoud Hashem, sheltering with his family, said, "We're on the brink, and we don't know whether one will die of a strike or starvation." The world watches as this high-stakes drama unfolds. Will peace finally dawn on Gaza? The coming days in Egypt could change everything!

Read More at Economictimes →

Tags: Israel, Hamas, Ceasefire, Hostage release, Gaza, Peace talks,