US-Backed Talks Rekindle Hope for Gaza Ceasefire

Efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza are gaining momentum after Hamas submitted lists of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners as part of a proposed exchange deal. The move comes as negotiators from Israel, the United States, and regional mediators meet in Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh to push forward discussions focused on ending the years-long war.

The talks form part of a 20-point peace plan backed by the U.S., which analysts say represents the most serious attempt yet to end the fighting. Al Jazeera News reported that Hamas confirmed it had presented the lists and said it was “optimistic” about the negotiations.

The group’s demands reportedly include the release of several high-profile Palestinian prisoners, among them Marwan al-Barghouti and Ahmed Saadat, according to Reuters.

Sources close to the talks say discussions are centred on securing a full ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and finalising the prisoner exchange.

Meanwhile, Israel has continued limited airstrikes across Gaza. However, the enclave’s Health Ministry reported at least eight deaths in the past 24 hours.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was in “fateful days of decision” and pledged to pursue the war’s main objectives, including the return of hostages and the dismantling of Hamas’s rule in Gaza.