Negotiators from Israel and Hamas are heading to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, to start indirect talks over an end to the Israel-Gaza war. It is the closest both sides have come to a deal since the war began two years ago.
However, Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan - which Israel has agreed to and Hamas has partly accepted - is merely a framework filled with significant sticking points.
Hostage Release Structure
Trump's plan states that all remaining hostages must be released within 72 hours of a deal's agreement, while Hamas has conditionally agreed to an exchange formula. Given Hamas's limited trust with Israel and its context as a bargaining chip, this remains a complicated issue.
Hamas Disarmament
A crucial aspect of Trump's plan mandates Hamas disarmament. However, Hamas has consistently stated it will not lay down its weapons until a Palestinian state is established, leading to a deadlock in negotiations.
Future Governance of Gaza
The plan suggests that Hamas will have no future role in governing Gaza, which would be run by a temporary transitional body overseen by a "Board of Peace." This aspect threatens to escalate tensions, particularly as factions within Israeli leadership resist PA involvement in governance.
Israeli Withdrawal
The plan's outline on military withdrawal involves ambiguous terms that are likely to cause further friction, especially as Hamas demands clearer timelines and conditions for a full withdrawal of Israeli troops.
