Gaza Peace Talks Begin in Egypt Amid Ongoing Conflict

Mon Oct 20 2025 22:14:18 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As Egypt gears up to host crucial peace negotiations between Hamas and Israel, tensions remain high with continued airstrikes and calls for a ceasefire. Will these talks bring an end to the violence in Gaza?

The world is watching Egypt as indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel are set to commence amidst the ongoing war in Gaza. Although Hamas has tentatively agreed to some aspects of a U.S. peace plan, Israeli airstrikes have continued. Hostage negotiations are central to the talks, as the situation remains dire for civilians in Gaza.

All eyes are on Egypt as indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel on the war in Gaza are set to begin on Monday, with the US and Israel pushing for the swift release of hostages.

The talks come after Hamas agreed to some parts of a 20-point US peace plan, including releasing hostages and handing over Gaza governance to Palestinian technocrats, but is seeking negotiations on other issues.

The group's response did not mention the key demands of its disarmament and playing no future role in Gaza's governance.

Meanwhile, Israeli air strikes continued in Gaza, despite President Donald Trump telling Israel to 'immediately stop the bombing' on Friday after Hamas responded to the proposed plan.

Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian told reporters on Sunday that 'while certain bombings have actually stopped inside of the Gaza Strip, there's no ceasefire in place at this point in time'.

Reports from Gaza say Israel continued air strikes and tank fire overnight and into Sunday, destroying a number of residential buildings in Gaza City.

Another 65 people were killed by Israeli military operations in the 24 hours leading up to midday, Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told CBS News that bombing needs to stop to facilitate a hostage release.

This round of negotiations is expected to be crucial in determining the future of the conflict as both sides prepare to engage in discussions that could lead toward a ceasefire.

However, many Gazans warn that ongoing violence continues to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, with each day of delay leading to more casualties and destruction.