US special envoy Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner are set to join Gaza peace talks between Israeli and Hamas negotiators in Egypt on Wednesday, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
Their arrival follows two days of indirect negotiations that have so far yielded no concrete progress, with disagreements persisting over Israeli withdrawal maps and Hamas’s demand for assurances against renewed fighting.
Mediators from Qatar and Turkey are also expected to participate, as efforts intensify to secure a ceasefire and hostage release agreement.
President Trump, marking the second anniversary of the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attacks, expressed optimism about a potential breakthrough, saying there was a possibility that we could have peace in the Middle East.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the moment as one of fateful decisions, reiterating that Israel would continue pursuing its war objectives, freeing hostages, dismantling Hamas, and ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat.
Meanwhile, Hamas negotiators said they were ready for a deal but needed real guarantees from President Trump and the international community to ensure a permanent end to hostilities.