**Title: Israel and Hamas Set for Indirect Negotiations in Egypt**

CAIRO — Israel and Hamas are preparing for indirect negotiations in Egypt, raising hopes for a potential ceasefire in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that a hostage release could be announced this week, coinciding with the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack that initiated the ongoing conflict.

President Donald Trump has expressed support for Hamas's acceptance of certain elements of the U.S. peace plan, which Israel has also endorsed. The plan stipulates that Hamas would release the remaining 48 hostages, approximately 20 of whom are believed to be alive, within three days. In return, Hamas would disarm and relinquish power.

Israeli negotiator Ron Dermer is leading the delegation to Sharm el-Sheikh for the talks, while an Egyptian official confirmed that the Hamas delegation has arrived. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is also participating in the discussions, which will focus on a proposed exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the situation as “the closest we’ve come to getting all of the hostages released.” He outlined a two-phase process: the release of hostages followed by Israel's military pullback to the position it held in August.

The U.S. plan also addresses the future governance of Gaza. In a text exchange, Trump warned of “complete obliteration” if Hamas remains in power. He noted that Netanyahu is supportive of ending the bombing and achieving peace in Gaza, but added that further discussions are needed.

Support for a ceasefire is growing. Israeli government spokeswoman Shosh Badrosian stated that Netanyahu is in “regular contact” with Trump and emphasized that the negotiations in Egypt would be brief. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expressed optimism, saying, “I hope that we are closest to a hostage deal since the (ceasefire) deal in January.”

Families of hostages have gathered near Netanyahu's residence, urging continued pressure from Trump. The recent military offensive in Gaza City has heightened fears for the hostages' safety. Michel Ilouz, father of hostage Guy Ilouz, stated, “We cannot allow such a historic agreement to be sacrificed again.”

As protests in support of Palestinians occurred in various cities worldwide, foreign ministers from eight Muslim-majority countries issued a statement welcoming the potential ceasefire and advocating for the Palestinian Authority's return to Gaza. They called for unification of Gaza and the West Bank and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Rubio noted that discussions about Gaza's governance could occur alongside the initial steps toward a ceasefire, although he acknowledged that this aspect may be more challenging to resolve.

Despite Trump's directive for Israel to halt bombings in Gaza, reports from residents and local hospitals indicate that strikes have continued. Badrosian confirmed that “certain bombings have actually stopped inside of the Gaza Strip.” However, Israel’s military chief, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, warned that if political efforts fail, military action would resume.

On Sunday, at least eight people were reported killed in multiple strikes in Gaza City, according to Shifa Hospital. A security official stated that the strikes targeted Hamas militants posing a threat to Israeli troops. Additionally, four individuals were shot dead near an aid distribution site in Rafah.

Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that the Palestinian death toll has reached 67,139, with nearly 170,000 injured. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government, does not specify the number of civilians versus combatants among the dead, but claims that women and children constitute about half of the casualties. The U.N. and independent experts regard these figures as the most reliable estimates of wartime casualties.

Israel's military continues to dismantle Hamas infrastructure and has warned residents against returning to northern Gaza. Mahmoud Hashem, a Palestinian father sheltering in a tent in Gaza City, expressed despair, saying, “We’re on the brink, and we don’t know whether one will die of a strike or starvation.”