Sharm el-sheikh: An Israeli delegation arrived in Egypt on Monday for indirect talks with Hamas to reach a ceasefire and hostage swap deal in Gaza, according to local media. Israel's public broadcaster KAN reported that the negotiating team arrived in the Red Sea city of Sharm el-Sheikh for the talks, which are being conducted under a plan presented by US President Donald Trump.

According to Anadolu Agency, the negotiations are scheduled to start on Monday evening. KAN, citing sources familiar with the matter, indicated that significant gaps remain between the two sides regarding post-hostage release arrangements and the necessary security guarantees. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who will lead the Israeli team, is set to depart for Egypt on Wednesday following instructions from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A Hamas delegation, led by the group's leader in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, arrived in Egypt on Sunday for the ceasefire talks. Meanwhile, there have been conflicting reports about the involvement of US representatives. On Saturday, Axios reported that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner would travel to Egypt to participate in the talks. However, Israel's Channel 14 stated that Witkoff and Kushner would not be joining the discussions, contrary to the original plan.

On September 29, Trump unveiled a 20-point plan that includes the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a ceasefire, the disarmament of Hamas, and the rebuilding of Gaza. The Israeli army has killed over 67,100 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in Gaza since October 2023. The relentless bombardment has rendered the enclave uninhabitable, leading to starvation and the spread of diseases.