CAIRO, Oct 7: Peace talks between Israel and Hamas resumed in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on the two-year anniversary of the conflict initiated by a Hamas attack that resulted in significant casualties, particularly among Palestinians in Gaza.
The indirect negotiations focus on a peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, which aims for a ceasefire and hostage release as initial terms.
While agreement was reached on some aspects, key issues remain unresolved, such as Hamas’s disarmament and governance of Gaza.
The violence, which began on October 7, 2023, has led to an estimated 67,160 Palestinian deaths and considerable destruction, with claims of genocide against Israel from some experts, which the country denies.
On the anniversary of the attack, thousands of Israelis commemorated their lost loved ones despite ongoing tensions and rocket fire from Gaza.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian relief and called for a permanent ceasefire and a credible political resolution.
The talks, facilitated by Qatar and Egypt, included high-level negotiators from both parties and aims to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza, where over two million Palestinians are facing dire conditions.
The White House indicated a sense of urgency in concluding the talks, with infrastructure ready for immediate aid deployment. (AP)
