Israel, Hamas in ceasefire talks

CAIRO, Oct 6 (Agencies): Delegations from Hamas, Israel and the United States were set to convene in Egypt on Monday for talks aimed at securing a ceasefire and comprehensive peace plan to end the nearly two-year war in Gaza.

The negotiations, taking place under Egyptian and Qatari mediation, come as US President Donald Trump urged all parties to "move fast" toward an agreement that would halt the fighting and enable the release of captives held by both sides.

Under Trump's plan, the conflict would end through a mutual release of captives -- Hamas would free hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons.

Hamas has reportedly agreed to the outline, contingent on "field conditions," though it remains reluctant to free hostages before other aspects of the deal are finalized.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that Israel will not halt military operations until Hamas is "eliminated." A major sticking point remains the US plan's call for Hamas's disarmament, which the group has so far rejected.

The proposal envisions Gaza being governed by a temporary transitional council of Palestinian technocrats, overseen by international figures, before eventual transfer of authority to the Palestinian Authority (PA).

However, Netanyahu has opposed PA involvement, arguing it should play no role in Gaza's governance.

The plan also includes a three-stage Israeli withdrawal, but the timeline remains vague, raising concerns among negotiators. Hamas is expected to seek clearer guarantees on the withdrawal schedule.

According to a senior Hamas official, Khalil al-Hayya, the group's lead negotiator, was to meet Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo on Monday, ahead of further discussions in Sharm El-Sheikh.

The talks are being held behind closed doors under heavy security, with mediators shuttling between delegations.