Negotiators set for Egypt Gaza talks as Trump urges speed

The envoys are set to meet in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh, on the eve of the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that sparked the war.

Both Hamas and Israel have responded positively to Trump's roadmap to end the fighting and release captives in Gaza in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli jails, though the details still need to be ironed out.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, said he hoped the hostages could be released within days.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Sunday that "there have been very positive discussions with Hamas" and other parties over freeing the captives and ending the war.

The talks were "proceeding rapidly", he said, adding that "the first phase should be completed this week, and I am asking everyone to MOVE FAST".

Trump has sent two emissaries to help finalise the deal: his special envoy Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Hamas's chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, arrived in Egypt late on Sunday at the head of the delegation, the group said in a statement.

The Israeli delegation will depart for Egypt on Monday, according to Netanyahu.

After months of stalled mediation efforts by the United States, Egypt and Qatar aimed at ending the devastating war, foreign ministers from several countries expressed optimism at the latest diplomatic push in a joint statement, calling the negotiations a "real opportunity" to achieve a sustainable ceasefire.