Hamas seeks guarantees Israel will end Gaza war as Peace Talks Continue in Egypt

Hamas leaders have asked for strong guarantees that Israel will completely end its war on Gaza and withdraw all its troops. This request came during the second day of indirect peace talks in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The discussions are being led by Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye, with support from the United States.

The peace efforts are part of a 20-point proposal introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking from the White House, Trump said there was a “real chance” of reaching a Gaza peace deal as the war marks its second anniversary.

Hamas Links Captive Release with Israeli Withdrawal

A senior Hamas official told Al Jazeera that the group’s plan to release Israeli captives will happen in several stages. Each release phase will match with the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from Gaza.

“The final hostage release will happen only when the last Israeli soldier leaves Gaza,” the official explained. Tuesday’s meeting focused on scheduling troop movements and monitoring the withdrawal process.

Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya said his group does not trust Israel’s promises. He told Egypt’s Al Qahera News that Hamas needs “real guarantees” Israel will not resume fighting after a ceasefire. He accused Tel Aviv of breaking two earlier truces.

Israel Maintains Tough Stance

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu marked two years since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. He called the ongoing war “a fight for our existence.” Netanyahu said Israel would not stop its operations until three goals were achieved — bringing all hostages home, removing Hamas from power, and making sure Gaza never threatens Israel again.

President Trump’s proposal suggests a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops. However, it gives no fixed date. The withdrawal plan depends on the safe release of 48 hostages still held in Gaza. Reports suggest only 20 of them are believed to be alive.

Mediators Stay Hopeful and Flexible

Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said the mediators are keeping a flexible approach during the negotiations. “We don’t come with fixed ideas,” he told Al Jazeera. “We adjust our proposals as the talks continue.”

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani is expected to join the next round of discussions on Wednesday. U.S. representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are also set to attend.

Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum confirmed that the group’s main focus is on a total Israeli withdrawal and rebuilding Gaza. He said reconstruction should start immediately under a Palestinian national body. Hamas also said it does not plan to govern Gaza after the war ends.

Airstrikes Continue Despite Ongoing Talks

While peace talks move forward, violence continues. Israeli airstrikes and drone attacks hit several areas across Gaza on Tuesday, including Sabra, Tal al-Hawa, and the road near Shati Camp.

According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, at least 10 Palestinians were killed in the latest attacks. The total death toll since the start of the conflict has now passed 66,600. Over 104 people have died since Friday, when Trump called on Israel to stop its bombing campaign.