Washington: An indirect negotiations aimed at finalizing a U.S.-backed peace plan to end the ongoing war in Gaza are currently underway in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh. The talks, which began Tuesday, include mediators from the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the progress during a conversation with media at the White House, emphasizing the historic potential of the current diplomatic efforts.
“We are about to resolve a 3,000-year-old conflict in the Middle East,” said President Trump. “Every country has welcomed the Gaza peace deal.”
The discussions reportedly center on securing a long-term ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, along with the release of hostages. President Trump noted the involvement of key regional powers in pushing the process forward.
“Türkiye, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia are also striving for peace,” he said, adding that “President Erdogan is using his influence to bring peace to Gaza. Hamas respects Turkish President Erdogan.”
The president stressed that the people of Israel are also eager for a resolution.
“The Israeli people want the hostages to return and the conflict to end,” he said.
While addressing reporters, Trump also touched on a variety of unrelated domestic and political issues. He criticized Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown, claiming:
“The government shutdown is because of the Democrats. They want to provide healthcare to illegal immigrants.”
Trump also revisited familiar themes from his presidency, accusing the Obama administration of economic mismanagement and criticizing crime in American cities:
“During the Obama era, the economy was ruined by giving billions of dollars in subsidies,” he said. “Chicago, plagued by lawlessness, has become a war zone. After the deployment of troops, Washington D.C. has become a peaceful city.”
Israeli Attacks on Gaza Continue; Dozens Killed Since Friday:
Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have continued across the Gaza Strip, with at least 10 Palestinians since dawn, including individuals seeking humanitarian aid killed since dawn.
Since Friday, at least 104 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces. The escalation comes despite calls from world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who urged Israel to halt its bombing campaign on that day.
In a related development, Israel has deported 171 activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, including climate activist Greta Thunberg. The flotilla was attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Lawyers representing the activists report that many detainees were mistreated while in Israeli custody, allegedly being denied basic rights and due process.
