Cairo / Washington:
Ahead of crucial talks aimed at ending the nearly two-year-long Israeli invasion of Gaza, Hamas on Sunday called for a swift start to a prisoner exchange with Israel. Negotiators from both sides are scheduled to meet in Egypt today (Monday) as foreign ministers from several Islamic countries deem the discussions a “real opportunity” for a sustainable ceasefire.
The diplomatic surge follows Hamas’ flexible response to US President Donald Trump’s roadmap for ending the fighting and securing the release of captives held in Gaza. Despite the momentum, the US issued a direct call for Israel to halt its military action.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told CBS News: “You can’t release (prisoners) in the middle of strikes, so the strikes will have to stop. There can’t be a war going on in the middle of it.”
Hamas Conditions and Existential Ultimatum
Negotiators are gathering in Sharm El-Sheikh, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing hope that prisoners could be released within days. However, a Palestinian source close to Hamas outlined non-negotiable demands: “Hamas insisted that it is essential for Israel to halt military operations across all areas of the Gaza Strip, cease all air, reconnaissance, and drone activity, and withdraw from inside Gaza City.” Hamas would also halt its military operations in parallel.
President Trump, while pushing for a swift deal, issued a stern ultimatum: he will “not tolerate delay” from Hamas, urging them to move quickly “or else all bets will be off.” He also warned that Hamas will face “complete obliteration” if the group refuses to give up power and control of Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israel has continued to carry out strikes on Gaza, despite the US calls for a pause. Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that Israeli strikes killed at least 16 people in Gaza on Sunday. Defence Minister Israel Katz stated the intensity of the operations has led to the evacuation of roughly 900,000 residents, creating “immense pressure on Hamas and the countries that support it.”
Regional Support and Hamas Leader’s Defiance
Hamas’ top negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, broke his silence in a televised statement, maintaining defiance after Israel targeted him and other leaders last month. He stated that the blood of those killed, including his son, would “pave the way to victory, the way to Jerusalem, the way to the disgrace of the occupation, and the way to the dignity and triumph of the nation.”
Foreign ministers from eight Islamic countries, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, welcomed the latest developments, viewing them as a real chance to establish a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire. They also welcomed Hamas’ readiness to hand over the administration of Gaza to a transitional Palestinian Administrative Committee of independent technocrats.
Separately, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it was actively engaged to ensure the safety and prompt repatriation of its citizens detained by Israeli forces, including former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who was aboard the Sumud flotilla.
