Kuwait (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Germany’s foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, says Gaza talks mark a turning point, seeking long-term solutions between Israel and Hamas.
As reported by Sky News, indirect talks in Egypt between Israel and Hamas raise global hopes for an end to the long-running conflict.
What did Johann Wadephul say about the Gaza talks’ progress?
Germany’s Johann Wadephul called the Gaza talks a “turning point” on arrival in Kuwait, meeting foreign ministers from Gulf states ahead of further discussions in Egypt.
He said,
“We have never had a situation like this in the last two years, where it was not just about achieving a temporary ceasefire, but where everyone now has an idea of a solution that can last longer.”
Mr Wadephul added,
“Israeli, Arab and Palestinian actors now share ideas on how things can continue in the Gaza Strip.”
Hamas leaders reached Egypt Sunday for talks with Israel, with the U.S. hoping for a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza.
What are Israel and Hamas negotiating in Egypt?
Israel and Hamas are set to hold indirect negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh, focusing on the release of hostages and the launch of the first phase of Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan.
The Palestinian team arrived yesterday, and Israel’s delegation, headed by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, is expected today.
A Palestinian official told Saudi broadcaster Asharq that the talks aim to set the ground for releasing hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
What did Donald Trump say about Gaza talks?
US President Donald Trump intensifies efforts to finalize the politically charged Gaza peace plan. In his Truth Social post, he urged negotiators to accelerate discussions at the Egypt meetings.
Mr Trump praised
“very positive discussions with Hamas, and Countries from all over the World (Arab, Muslim, and everyone else),”
Focusing on launching the first stage of his 20-point peace plan.
He added that negotiators in Egypt are working to “clarify final details.”
President Trump praised the Gaza peace deal, calling it “amazing” and “a great deal for Israel,” adding,
“Everybody has pretty much agreed to it, but there will always be some changes.”
He said discussions are ongoing and “will probably take a couple of days,” saying,
“They’ve been fighting for a plan for years, we’re going to get the hostages back almost immediately.”
What did Marco Rubio say about Hamas disarmament and Gaza peace talks?
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated,
“All those talks are occurring, even as I speak to you now, we’re hoping it will be finalised very quickly, early this week.”
He said,
“And I’m hoping, you know again, who knows the timeline? But this cannot take weeks or even multiple days. We want to see this happen very fast.”
Mr Rubio stated that Hamas has agreed “in principle” to post-war plans in Gaza, but warned that disarmament and demobilisation will be “not easy.”
He added,
“We’ll know very quickly whether Hamas is serious or not by how these technical talks go in terms of the logistics.”
How many Israeli soldiers and security personnel have died since 7 October?
Ahead of the second anniversary of Hamas’s 7 October attack, Israel’s defence ministry revealed the death toll among its security personnel.
Israel’s defence ministry reports 1,152 security staff have died since the conflict started, covering military, police, Shin Bet, and civilian officers in battles, accidents, or illness.
The defence ministry said that nearly half of the fatalities, 42%, were younger than 21, while 141 victims were above 40.
The Hamas-run health ministry said the Gaza death toll from Israeli strikes since 7 October has surpassed 67,000.
Key facts about the Gaza-Israel war
The Gaza-Israel war began on 7 October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking over 240 hostages. In Gaza, more than 67,000 Palestinians have been reported killed, most of them civilians.
The conflict has caused widespread destruction, displacement, and a severe hunger crisis. Ceasefire talks are ongoing, mediated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt.