Ankara: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced that negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, currently taking place in Sharm el-Sheikh, are making progress. He extended an invitation to U.S. President Donald Trump to attend the signing ceremony in Egypt if an agreement is reached.

According to Anadolu Agency, Sisi made these remarks during a police graduation ceremony in eastern Cairo, emphasizing that the talks are "moving positively." He expressed his desire for President Trump's presence at the potential signing, stating, "It would be wonderful to have you here."

In the ongoing negotiations, Hamas confirmed the exchange of lists of Palestinian prisoners with Israel. These indirect talks have seen participation from high-level delegations including U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman. Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer are also expected to join.

President Trump previously introduced a 20-point proposal on September 29, which encompasses the release of all Israeli captives in return for Palestinian prisoners, the disarmament of Hamas, a ceasefire, and the reconstruction of Gaza. Hamas has agreed to the plan in principle.

The conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths, with the majority being women and children, due to Israeli military actions since October 2023. The extensive bombardment has devastated the region, causing massive displacement, starvation, and widespread disease.