Egypt (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Israel and Hamas held indirect talks in Egypt, agreeing on key ceasefire and hostage terms, as Israel marked two years since the October 7 attacks.
As reported by The Independent, two years after Hamas’s October 7 attack, Israelis commemorate the victims amid ongoing Egypt-hosted talks between Israel and Hamas.
US President Donald Trump said “tremendous progress” has been made after Gaza peace talks began between Israel and Hamas in Egypt.
Egyptian officials’ views on the Israel-Hamas Gaza talks
An Egyptian insider confirmed the first round of Israel-Hamas negotiations ended in Sharm el-Sheikh. Discussions are set to resume the next day on the war’s anniversary.
One anonymous official said Israel and Hamas agreed to most first-phase terms, including a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
Hamas official’s stance on response to Trump’s Gaza plan
Mousa Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas official, said the group could hand over its weapons to a future Palestinian authority, though it was not reflected in the group’s official statement on President Trump’s plan.
Another Hamas official, Osama Hamdan, said the group opposes foreign administration in Gaza, calling the entry of foreign troops “unacceptable,” while the plan leaves Israel’s security presence and buffer zones unclear.
In a statement, Hamas confirmed its willingness to release hostages and transfer power to other Palestinians, while other elements of the plan require further consultation.
key figures in the Egypt-hosted Gaza talks
Israel’s delegation to the Egypt negotiations is headed by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. Hamas will be represented by senior official and former deputy chairman Khalil al-Hayya.
US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, are expected to attend the second round of talks, according to Al-Ahram.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s stance on Trump’s Gaza plan
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is prepared to carry out the initial phase of President Trump’s plan. The plan seems to focus on the release of hostages.
According to his office, Israel aims to halt the war following set principles, while Mr Netanyahu has repeatedly called for Hamas to surrender and disarm.
Israeli rallies on the October 7 attack
Israelis will observe the second anniversary of the October 7 attack on Tuesday.
Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people and took 251 hostages during the assault.
Unofficial memorials will take place in southern Israeli kibbutzim affected by the attack. A large rally in Tel Aviv will call for the freedom of the remaining Hamas hostages.
The national ceremony of remembrance will be held on 16 October at Mount Herzl, after the Simchat Torah holiday.
Keir Starmer’s views on the pro-Palestine October 7 protests
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has criticised planned pro-Palestine protests on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks on Israel. He described the demonstrations as “un-British.”
The prime minister warned that university protests scheduled for today show disrespect, highlighting that past rallies were exploited to target British Jews.
Referring to 7 October, Mr Starmer said,
“The worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. The brutal, cold-blooded torture and murder of Jews in their own homes. And the taking of hostages, including British citizens, some of whom remain in Gaza today.”
The Labour leader added,
“Since that awful day, so many have endured a living nightmare. When I spoke with some of the families of the British hostages, I promised them in person that we will not cease in our efforts to bring their loved ones home.”
Ed Davey’s stance on antisemitism and Gaza peace talks
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called antisemitism a “terrible scourge.”
He said,
“We stand in solidarity with British Jews, the people of Israel and Jewish communities around the world against terrorism, and against antisemitism in all its forms.”
Regarding the Gaza peace talks, Mr Davey added,
“We desperately hope that they will finally see the hostages returned home to their families, a lasting bilateral ceasefire, Hamas out of power in Gaza for good – and set us on the path to a two-state solution that offers both Israelis and Palestinians the peace and security they deserve.”
Key facts about the Gaza-Israel war
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, and its second anniversary is marked today. Over 67,000 Palestinians have died, many women and children, with thousands possibly trapped under rubble.
More than 90% of homes in Gaza have been destroyed, forcing mass displacement. The population faces severe hunger and a growing humanitarian crisis.
