Description: Delegations from Qatar, Egypt, the US and Hamas met in Sharm El Sheikh, where the initial indirect negotiations commenced on implementing Donald Trump’s 20 – point Gaza peace plan. The negotiations were reportedly held until the late hours of 06 Oct between US Special envoy Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the heads of the Israeli Mossad and Shin Bet, Israel’s foreign policy advisor Ophir Falk and hostage coordinator Gal Hirsch, Hamas was represented by their leader in exile, Khalil Al Hayya. Initial reports from the meeting were scarce with major sticking points remaining to be discussed over the next day, where Israel’s Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer was expected to join the negotiations. Hamas and Israel have reportedly agreed to establish exchanging corridors for the hostages and political prisoners, as well as humanitarian aid corridors to deliver the desperately needed aid into the Gaza Strip. Major disputed points remained unresolved such as Hamas’ disarmament and Israel’s military withdrawal from the enclave.
Impact: The first day of negotiations was expectedly used as a temperature measuring period where the engaged stake holders are reasserting their negotiating positions. The agreed upon corridors for the delivery of humanitarian aid and exchange of prisoners are signals for rapid progress, however, substantial negotiating points such as Israel’s military withdrawal and Hamas’ disarmament still pose a significant threat to the longevity of the peace initiative. Currently the progress gathered from the initial contact indicates that the potential for establishing a ceasefire remains firm and sound, while details and further negotiations would be necessary in order for the peace initiative to considerably materialize. The absence of Ron Dermer, Israel’s Minister of Strategic Affairs is concerning, as he has been one of the integral individuals in previous negotiations, which signals that Israel is still calculating its approach towards the negotiations. Considering the political pressure on an international level and the establishment of an initial line of communication, currently the prospects for a ceasefire are highly possible.