Sharm el-Sheikh: As the Israel-Hamas conflict reaches its two-year mark tomorrow, both sides are engaged in indirect negotiations in Egypt to implement a U.S.-backed peace plan proposed by former President Donald Trump. The discussions are primarily focused on securing the release of 48 hostages held by Hamas, with around 20 believed to be alive, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

The plan also includes provisions for Hamas’s disarmament and the withdrawal of its governance in Gaza, to be replaced temporarily by a U.S.-led transitional authority. Despite calls from President Trump for a halt to Israeli airstrikes, violence continues in the region, with at least 12 Palestinians reported killed on Sunday. The ongoing conflict has already claimed over 67,000 Palestinian lives, nearly half of whom are women and children.

While Hamas has agreed to certain aspects of the peace plan, including the release of hostages, it has expressed concerns about disarmament and giving up control of Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shown willingness to implement the first phase of the plan but remains cautious about a full withdrawal. Former President Trump has warned of severe consequences if Hamas fails to comply, including the possibility of "complete obliteration."

Negotiators emphasize the urgency of reaching a swift resolution, particularly concerning the safety of the hostages. As the conflict enters its third year, the talks are seen as a crucial opportunity to de-escalate violence and address longstanding grievances, though significant differences remain between the parties regarding disarmament, governance, and the pace of Israeli troop withdrawal.

The outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain, but international observers are closely watching the talks as a potential turning point in the Israel-Hamas conflict.