Egypt's Sisi Reports Gaza Ceasefire Progress, Invites Trump

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has confirmed that Gaza ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas are advancing positively in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh. During a police academy graduation ceremony in Cairo, Sisi publicly invited US President Donald Trump to attend the formal signing ceremony in Egypt should the parties reach a comprehensive agreement.

The indirect negotiations have attracted significant diplomatic engagement, with high-level delegations joining the talks from multiple nations. US envoy Steve Witkoff, presidential advisor Jared Kushner, and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman are already participating in the discussions. Türkiye's intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer are also expected to arrive shortly to contribute to the negotiation process.

Hamas officials confirmed Wednesday that both sides have exchanged lists of Palestinian prisoners scheduled for potential release as part of the emerging agreement. The negotiations are based on the 20-point proposal unveiled by President Trump on September 29, which includes provisions for releasing Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, establishing a ceasefire, disarming Hamas, and reconstructing Gaza's devastated infrastructure. Hamas has previously indicated its agreement in principle with this framework.

The diplomatic efforts unfold against the backdrop of continuing violence that has resulted in over 67,000 Palestinian casualties in Gaza since October 2023, with women and children comprising the majority of victims. The extensive military operations have left the coastal territory largely uninhabitable, creating mass displacement, widespread starvation, and the emergence of infectious diseases throughout the population.