Egypt Hosts Indirect Talks to Resolve Gaza Conflict Amid Ongoing Strikes

Fri Oct 17 2025 00:48:28 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As crucial negotiations begin in Egypt between Hamas and Israel, the push for a peace agreement intensifies, despite continuing violence in Gaza.

Attention turns to Egypt as indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel commence, with hostages on the agenda and U.S. pressure for a ceasefire. Despite Hamas's acceptance of some terms of the U.S. peace plan, significant issues remain unresolved. Continued airstrikes from Israeli forces show the fragile situation as civilians call for an end to the violence.

All eyes are on Egypt as indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel on the war in Gaza are set to begin on Monday, with the US and Israel pushing for the swift release of hostages.

The talks come after Hamas agreed to some parts of a 20-point US peace plan, including releasing hostages and handing over Gaza governance to Palestinian technocrats, but is seeking negotiations on other issues.

The group’s response did not mention the key demands of its disarmament and playing no future role in Gaza's governance.

Meanwhile, Israeli air strikes continued in Gaza, despite President Donald Trump telling Israel to immediately stop the bombing on Friday after Hamas responded to the proposed plan.

Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian stated on Sunday that while certain bombings have actually stopped inside of the Gaza Strip, there's no ceasefire in place at this point in time.

Bedrosian said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had given orders to fire back for defensive purposes... if there is a threat to their life in the battlefield in Gaza.

Reports from Gaza indicate ongoing air strikes and tank fire, leading to the destruction of residential buildings in Gaza City.

A BBC correspondent reported hearing explosions from within Gaza, witnessing plumes of smoke, while the health ministry in Gaza reported additional casualties from the military operations.

In light of these developments, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for bombings to cease to facilitate the release of hostages.

The 20-point plan proposes an immediate halt to fighting and the release of hostages, with Netanyahu expressing hope for announcements regarding hostages' release in the coming days.

Negotiations are critical as they may reshape the future of Gaza amidst deep-rooted mistrust and ongoing violence.