Progress in Gaza Peace Talks: US Urges Israel to Halt Offensive as Negotiations Continue
Israel's offensive in Gaza City continues as peace talks between Israeli and Hamas representatives are ongoing in Egypt. US President Donald Trump has urged Israel to halt its bombing of Gaza during the negotiations. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited Tel Aviv to meet with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, before heading to Egypt for discussions on Trump's peace plan for Gaza. Wadephul emphasized the importance of this week for progress in the peace plan, including the release of hostages, humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza, and a ceasefire agreement.
Wadephul discussed the indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas with Saar and expressed optimism about the peace plan. He also planned to meet with relatives of hostages held by Hamas before traveling to Egypt. Mediated talks in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, are focused on establishing conditions for the release of captives and detainees, with Egyptian and Qatari mediators facilitating discussions. Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered at Athens Airport in support of activists from the Sumud flotilla, who were deported from Israel after attempting to break the Gaza blockade.
US President Trump praised the progress in talks between Hamas and mediators, emphasizing the goal of achieving peace in the Middle East. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the importance of releasing Israeli hostages and halting strikes in Gaza. Rubio also mentioned the need for a post-war governance structure in Gaza that is not controlled by Hamas. Israel deported more activists from the Sumud flotilla, including climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, who were detained while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.
An Iranian court acquitted Lennart Monterlos, who was arrested during the conflict between Israel and Iran, after being held since June. German Foreign Minister Wadephul expressed readiness to support negotiations in Gaza, acknowledging the US and Trump's pivotal role in the peace process. Egypt's President el-Sissi commended Trump's efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and emphasized the importance of a peaceful political process for lasting stability. Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest amid calls for a boycott.
Despite Trump's call for a pause in hostilities during truce talks, Israel continued airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in casualties. Wadephul praised the US ceasefire framework as a promising solution to the conflict and planned to engage in discussions with Israeli and Egyptian officials. Pressure mounts on Germany to halt arms sales to Israel, with public demands for a total embargo. Negotiators from Israel, the US, and Hamas are meeting in Egypt to discuss a 20-point plan to end the military campaign in Gaza, with hopes for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. Netanyahu expressed optimism about the return of Israeli hostages in the near future.