Israel Targets Gaza "Safe Zones" Amid Egypt Negotiations for Hostage Release

Israel and Hamas Weigh Trump's Gaza Peace Plan Amid Cautious Optimism

Negotiations are underway as Israel and Hamas consider a new peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to end nearly two years of conflict in Gaza. The plan aims to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza, but significant disagreements remain between the parties. Talks are scheduled to continue in Egypt. Hopes are high for a resolution, yet fears persist that the deal could collapse.

Hope and Fear in Tel Aviv

Demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv’s "Hostages Square," expressing both hope and fear regarding the potential deal. Many feel a sense of optimism that a deal may be within reach, especially following Hamas’s willingness to release hostages and President Trump’s favorable response. However, anxieties remain that the deal could be derailed by either side.

Dalia Cosnir-Horn, whose brother-in-law is held hostage, captured the sentiment, saying, "We are hopeful, but also dead scared that the deal will collapse." The protesters look to President Trump with hope. They urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to avoid obstructing a deal to end the war.

Nili Landsman, a Tel Aviv resident, noted a change in atmosphere at the protests. "Usually I find it depressing coming out to these protests... But today there is a different atmosphere — maybe a miracle will happen and this war will end," she said.

Key Elements of Trump's Peace Plan

The proposed plan entails an immediate cessation of hostilities, followed by the release of all hostages held by Hamas within 72 hours. In return, Israel would release Palestinian prisoners. A critical component involves Hamas's disarmament and the establishment of an international security force to oversee Gaza, placing the territory under international governance with oversight from Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Hamas would be excluded from administering Gaza, and its military infrastructure would be dismantled.

While Hamas has signaled its willingness to release hostages and hand over power to a Palestinian body, it has not explicitly addressed the disarmament demand. Netanyahu has stated Israel's commitment to ending the war based on its established principles, including Hamas's surrender and disarmament.

Uncertainties and Remaining Gaps

Several uncertainties persist, including the timeline for key steps and whether Hamas officials can reach a consensus on the plan. Osama Hamdan, a Hamas official, expressed resistance to foreign administration of the Gaza Strip. There is also disagreement about Israel’s presence in Gaza, with Hamas seeking a complete withdrawal, while the plan proposes a "security perimeter presence."

The future of Gaza remains uncertain, with the plan suggesting that if the Palestinian Authority sufficiently reforms and Gaza’s redevelopment advances, a pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood may be possible.

Reactions and Next Steps

A senior Egyptian official confirmed that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff will lead the U.S. negotiating team in Egypt. Arab mediators are preparing for a comprehensive dialogue among Palestinians to unify their position on Gaza’s future.

There is cautious hope among both Palestinians and Israelis, tempered by memories of past negotiation failures. Arafa al-Amour, a displaced Palestinian, voiced the desire to end the war by any means possible. The Hostages Families Forum urged Trump to persist in pushing for a deal, warning of potential sabotage from extremists on both sides. Two vocal members of Netanyahu’s coalition have criticized the plan but haven't threatened to leave the government immediately.

In his video address on Truth Social, Trump thanked Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan as countries “that helped me put this together.”