Optimism among all parties involved in the Sharm el-Sheikh negotiations is no longer particularly cautious, and the prevailing assessment is that the initial agreement will be signed on Thursday or, at the latest, Friday. "It's not a question of if, but of when," a senior American diplomat in Sharm el-Sheikh told Israel Hayom.
The anticipated agreement includes an immediate ceasefire, the release of all living hostages within 72 hours, and the return of bodies within a week. It also includes the release of 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, along with another 1,700 inmates. Following the hostage release, the IDF would withdraw to the so-called "yellow line," and all humanitarian supply routes would be opened under UN coordination.
In response to Israeli demands, Hamas reportedly confirmed in today's talks that it could meet the 72-hour deadline for the release of all living hostages, as stipulated in the Trump Plan.
According to sources, Hamas leadership has already instructed all groups holding hostages to prepare for their release. The International Committee of the Red Cross has been asked to ready ambulances and vehicles to facilitate a swift transfer of hostages to the IDF. The military has also prepared makeshift triage centers with medical teams and equipment to provide immediate care before hostages are transported to hospitals in Israel.
Surprisingly positive progress
As previously reported by Israel Hayom, Hamas began locating the bodies of fallen hostages over the past weekend and has managed to gather at least some of them. However, there is still no certainty about the exact number of surviving captives.
Both American and Arab officials involved in the talks described Wednesday's discussions as "surprisingly positive," attributing this to thorough preparatory work by mediators and early negotiation sessions that resolved almost all technical issues.
One American official said it was clear in the negotiation rooms that all parties viewed the initial stage of the agreement as a prerequisite for broader talks to end the war. This condition reportedly prompted Hamas and other Palestinian factions to avoid raising issues reserved for the next phase.
"This way, we've defused several potential flashpoints in advance," the official said. "Those matters will only be addressed once the fighting stops, the hostages are home and receiving care, and the atmosphere is more conducive to resolving the bigger challenges, such as the disarmament of Hamas and future governance in Gaza."
An Arab diplomat added that a few minor disputes remain, including the identities of prisoners to be released, the exact lines of the Israeli military's withdrawal, and guarantees for Hamas that Israel will not resume hostilities.
According to the diplomat, Hamas repeatedly raised this concern, fearing that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition could use a pretext to restart fighting and complete the conquest of the Gaza Strip. "Hamas officials are hearing and seeing statements by Netanyahu and far-right ministers, and they're demanding international assurances that the ceasefire will be long-term," the diplomat said.
Israel: Full ceasefire commitment, with conditions
In response, a senior Israeli official said Israel is fully committed to a ceasefire after the signing of the initial agreement, provided that Hamas does not violate the Trump Plan by resuming military preparations. "Hamas must understand that planting an explosive device on a transport route under the guise of a ceasefire constitutes a breach that will be met with the elimination of those responsible," the official said.
Another complication is the possible reassertion of Hamas control over territory evacuated by Israeli forces. The original plan called for third-party forces to create a buffer between the IDF and armed militants. However, no such force is currently available, and Israeli officials have made clear that until a coordinated and approved force is in place, the IDF will not proceed with further withdrawals.
One final sticking point remains: Hamas is demanding immunity for its operatives, particularly senior leaders both inside Gaza and abroad, most of whom are based in Qatar, with a few in Turkey.
The Trump Plan provides immunity for anyone who declares their intention to pursue reconciliation with Israel, but Hamas leaders have refused to accept this condition. A possible compromise being discussed would stipulate that, as long as the ceasefire holds and the deal is fully implemented, no party would engage in hostile acts. Anyone seeking retribution against Hamas leaders would have to wait.
