Sources from Hamas and other Palestinian factions revealed details of the final hours of negotiations over a Gaza ceasefire agreement hosted in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh.
US President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that Israel and Hamas had signed the first phase of what he called a “Peace Plan,” an agreement he proposed that includes the release of all Israeli hostages.
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,” he added.
According to sources who spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat, the talks in Sharm el-Sheikh were held “in two separate rooms” for the Israeli and Palestinian delegations, with mediators shuttling between them. The atmosphere was described as “positive,” at least from the Palestinian side.
A Hamas source said that “the Israeli delegation held several phone consultations with senior officials, particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,” before responding to proposals.
US and Regional Guarantees
Palestinian faction representatives said they received “clear guarantees” from Trump and the US delegation - reinforced by mediators, especially Türkiye - that Washington would ensure Israel does not resume military operations. The source added that the Palestinian side “obtained a written guarantee” to that effect.
Partial Withdrawal
The Palestinian delegation, the sources said, insisted on a full withdrawal of Israeli ground forces from densely populated areas in Gaza.
The sources added that “there was a notable shift” in Israel’s withdrawal plan, particularly from parts of Khan Younis and Rafah in the south, a move seen as a prelude to a broader pullback once all captives, both alive and dead, are handed over.
A map released by the White House showed the stages of the withdrawal under Trump’s proposed plan.
Joint Monitoring Team
The sources also disclosed that a joint operations team - comprising representatives from Hamas, Israel, Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and the United States - will oversee the implementation of the agreement and prevent any field incidents or disputes that could trigger renewed violence.
Dispute Over Prisoners
Regarding prisoners, Palestinian sources said their delegation submitted a list of names for release. Hamas also demanded the return of bodies of Palestinians killed and held by Israel, including senior Hamas figures and others involved in the Oct. 7, 2023, assault.
The sources said the issue “remains contentious,” with Israel vetoing the release of at least 20 prisoners and refusing to free any living detainees or hand over the bodies of those linked to the Oct. 7 attack.
This dispute, the sources added, has delayed the official announcement of the ceasefire, which had been expected to take effect at noon local time in Gaza and Makkah.
Compromise on Missing Bodies
On the issue of dead hostages, Hamas reportedly accepted a compromise proposed by mediators. Under the arrangement, joint teams from Egypt, the United States, and Türkiye will search for and identify the remains of hostages believed to be buried under rubble or collapsed tunnels after Israeli strikes.
Some of the remains, the sources said, “may have decomposed and require forensic examination,” noting that both the Israeli delegation - after consultations with Netanyahu - and Hamas agreed to the plan.
Aid Flows to Increase Gradually
The first phase of the agreement also provides for a sharp increase in humanitarian aid, allowing 400 trucks to enter Gaza daily during the first week.
The number would gradually rise to about 800 or more per day, through several land crossings opened by Israel during the war, points previously used to permit aid deliveries amid international criticism over the siege and starvation of Gaza’s population.
Next Phase: Gaza’s Future
The second phase of negotiations - expected to begin after the end of Jewish holidays or once all hostages are handed over, likely within a week - will tackle more sensitive political issues. These include Hamas’s future rule in Gaza, the territory’s postwar governance, the group’s disarmament, and safe passage for its leaders and senior members.
Mediators anticipate difficult talks on these points. Hamas sources said the movement would “maintain a positive approach” and has asked Egypt to host an “inclusive national dialogue” involving all factions, including Fatah, to discuss these critical issues.
