Egypt’s FM: US Envoy Witkoff to join Gaza talks on Oct. 8

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced that a US delegation led by presidential envoy Steve Witkoff will join ongoing talks on October 8 aimed at achieving a truce in Gaza and facilitating a hostage and prisoner exchange.

Speaking at a joint press conference with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul, Abdelatty said he and Wadephul “had a long conversation with Steve Witkoff, who is expected in Egypt in the coming hours”, The Times of Israel reports.

Earlier reports indicated that the first day of resumed indirect talks between Israel and Hamas in Egypt concluded on a “positive” note, raising hopes for progress in implementing US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict. Sources told Al Jazeera that the meeting, held in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, was “positive” and resulted in a roadmap for continuing negotiations.

The Hamas delegation, which included leaders Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin, noted that ongoing Israeli bombings in Gaza remain a challenge to negotiations over the release of captives. According to Egyptian media, day-one discussions focused on a proposed prisoner exchange, a ceasefire, and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that President Trump is pressing for an early exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners to create “momentum” for implementing other aspects of his plan. She added that technical teams are currently reviewing the lists of Israeli hostages and Palestinian political prisoners to ensure the environment is ready for their release.

Speaking from the Oval Office on October 6, Trump said, “We have a really good chance of making a deal,” while emphasising that he still maintains certain “red lines.” He added, “But I think we’re doing very well. And I think Hamas has been agreeing to things that are very important.”

By Tamilla Hasanova