Israeli delegation to arrive in Egypt for negotiations with Hamas

Expedited negotiations between Israeli and Hamas delegations are set to begin on October 6 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, aimed at securing the release of 48 hostages and declaring an end to the war.

Israel’s Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer will lead the Israeli delegation, although it remains unclear when he will join the talks, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

Hamas announced on the evening of October 5 that its negotiating delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya, had arrived in Egypt.

A senior Israeli official said all parties are demonstrating a serious attitude and signaling readiness in principle to advance a deal. The official added that the negotiations should clarify within a short time whether an understanding can be reached to implement the agreement within days.

The source also said that Hamas has expressed reservations about the initial withdrawal lines proposed for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), based on a map presented by the White House and approved by Israel.

These withdrawal zones would grant Hamas limited freedom of movement in parts of the Gaza Strip to locate and recover live hostages and the bodies of those killed.

By Sabina Mammadli