US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that Israel and Hamas can reach a deal soon, based on his 20-point peace plan for Gaza.
Trump told reporters on Monday: “We have a really good chance of making a deal, and it’ll be a lasting deal.” He suggested that Hamas has been responding favorably, and he hopes it will remain that way.
Israel and Hamas earlier began indirect negotiations on Monday in Egypt, which is serving as a mediator. They are believed to be discussing specific ways to release hostages, which Hamas has agreed to, and the partial withdrawal of Israeli troops.
However, even as the talks were underway, health officials in Gaza said on Monday that Israeli attacks in the preceding 24 hours have left 21 people dead.
October 7 marks two years since Hamas staged a massive raid on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 250 others captive. Hamas has yet to release 48 of the hostages.
Israel responded by launching a military operation in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 67,000 people. In addition, 460 people have reportedly succumbed to malnutrition and other factors, as the enclave remains in the grips of a humanitarian crisis.
AloJapan.com