Sharm el-sheikh: An Israeli delegation is preparing to travel to Egypt's Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday for indirect prisoner exchange talks with Hamas. This initiative is part of US President Donald Trump's Gaza plan, aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in the region. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that Minister Ron Dermer will lead the delegation, although he will not attend the opening session.

According to Anadolu Agency, the daily Maariv reported that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who were initially expected to participate, will also be absent from the opening session in Sharm el-Sheikh. Meanwhile, Israel's public broadcaster KAN noted that Netanyahu has received approval from most senior members of his governing coalition to proceed with the first phase of Trump's plan, despite some opposition within his government.

KAN also reported that far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir are anticipated to vote against the agreement in principle. However, their opposition is not expected to destabilize the coalition at this stage. The second phase of the plan may prove more contentious if it moves forward without disarming Hamas or removing it from power in Gaza.

On September 29, Trump introduced a 20-point plan that includes the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a ceasefire, disarmament of Hamas, and the rebuilding of Gaza. Hamas has agreed to the plan in principle, with discussions on the next steps scheduled to occur in Egypt.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the Israeli army having killed over 67,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, since October 2023. The relentless bombardment has left the enclave uninhabitable, leading to starvation and the spread of diseases.