Negotiations between Israel and Hamas were set to begin on Monday in Sharm el-Sheikh, led by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with the mediation of Egypt and Qatar. This time, it feels more serious than ever before, and one could say we are closer than ever to the return of the hostages and the end of the war. The Israeli side shows cautious optimism that it could actually happen this time. However, experience teaches us that surprises and unforeseen obstacles are always possible.
In the short term, US President Donald Trump’s plan envisions that upon acceptance of the agreement by both sides, the war will end, Israel will begin a phased withdrawal, and all hostages will be returned within 72 hours. Israel is to withdraw to the so-called “yellow line,” as outlined in the map Trump published on Saturday evening, which includes a significant Israeli presence in Gaza—including the Philadelphi Corridor and the Rafah area. Simultaneously, there will be a large-scale release of Palestinian...
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