The first round of Israeli-HAMAS negotiations concluded positively

The first stage of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement has concluded in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. As Reuters wrote, last night an official Palestinian source stated that the meeting took place in a "positive atmosphere."

During the meeting, Hamas expressed its position on a number of issues: the mechanism for the release of hostages, as well as the scope and timeline for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, were discussed. This organization, recognized as a terrorist organization by the European Union and the USA, also expressed concern about the conditions of a permanent ceasefire and complete withdrawal.

According to dpa and AFP, the parties will continue negotiations on October 7. The negotiation package is based on a 20-point plan proposed by the Trump administration on September 29th, aimed at ending the war in Gaza. It stipulated that Hamas would release Israeli hostages, and the Israeli army would gradually withdraw from Palestinian territories. Israel is also required to release 250 Palestinian prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment.

During a meeting in Washington at the end of September, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved this approach. It is said that Hamas representatives also expressed their agreement to certain clauses in principle at the beginning of October.

In conclusion, the first round was held in a spirit of dialogue, despite the presence of pressing issues. Now the most complex points - the consistency of the ceasefire, the schedule for the withdrawal of troops, and a clear roadmap for the exchange of hostages - will become key topics in the next rounds.