US President Donald Trump said talks with Hamas on ending Israel’s war in Gaza and releasing hostages held by the Palestinian militant group are progressing rapidly.
“These talks have been very successful and are moving quickly. Technical teams will meet again on Monday in Egypt to work out and clarify the final details. I have been told that the first phase should be completed this week and I urge everyone to act quickly,” Trump said in a post on social media.
The US president added that otherwise, there could be another bloodbath.
“Time is of the essence, because otherwise there will be massive bloodshed – something no one wants to see,” Trump said.
Hamas officials arrived in Egypt on Sunday, ahead of talks with Israel that the United States hopes will lead to a cessation of fighting and the release of hostages in Gaza, with the top US diplomat saying the coming days are crucial.
Israeli negotiators, led by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, were due to travel to Egypt on Monday for talks in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on the release of the hostages, part of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the nearly two-year war in Gaza.
“We’ll know very soon whether Hamas is serious or not, based on how the technical negotiations go in terms of logistics,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NBC on Sunday, referring to the release of the remaining 48 hostages in Gaza, 20 of whom are alive.
A Hamas delegation, led by exiled Gaza chief Khalil Al-Hayya, arrived in Egypt late on Sunday to join US and Qatari representatives for talks on implementing the most advanced attempt yet to end the conflict.
