On the two-year anniversary of the October 7 Gaza conflict, Israel and Hamas resumed indirect talks in Sharm el-Sheikh. Negotiations focus on a US-backed plan for hostages, ceasefire, and international governance of Gaza, amid ongoing uncertainties over disarmament and long-term peace
Palestinian children search a pile of garbage for salvageable items next to destroyed buildings. PIC/AFP
Peace talks between Israel and Hamas were set to resume at an Egyptian resort city on Tuesday, the two-year anniversary of the militant group’s surprise attack on Israel that triggered the bloody conflict that has seen tens of thousands of Palestinians killed in Gaza.
The second day of indirect negotiations in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh will focus on a plan proposed by US President Donald Trump last week. After several hours of talks on Monday, officials said the parties agreed on most of the first-phase terms, which include the release of hostages and establishing a ceasefire.
The plan has received widespread international backing, and Trump told reporters on Monday that he thought there was a “really good chance of a lasting deal”. “This is beyond Gaza. Gaza is a big deal, but this is really peace in the Middle East,” he said.
Many uncertainties remain, however, including the demand that Hamas disarm and the future governance of Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long said Hamas must surrender and disarm, but Hamas has not yet commented on whether it would be willing to.
The plan envisions Israel withdrawing its troops from Gaza after Hamas disarms, and an international security force being put in place. The territory would then be placed under international governance, with Trump and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair overseeing it.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel and killed around 1200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251. Hamas holds 48 hostages, around 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
Two-year war toll
Out of every 10 people, one has been killed or injured in an Israeli strike. Nine are displaced. At least three have not eaten for days. Out of every 100 children, four have lost either one or both parents. Out of every 10 buildings that stood in Gaza prewar, eight are either damaged or flattened. Out of every 10 homes, nine are wrecked. Out of every 10 acres of cropland, eight are razed (more than three out of every four hectares).
Nearly the entire population is displaced, and thousands are missing
67,000+
No. of people killed; 11 per cent of Gaza’s population has been killed or injured
2000+
No of displaced Palestinians killed while seeking food
30%
Portion of population that has been hungry for days
465
No of Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza since war began
40,000+
No of Palestinians who have suffered life-altering injuries
102,067
Approximate no of buildings destroyed
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