Israel-Hamas Deal in Sharm El-Sheikh: Gaza Peace Plan Roadmap and Timeline
A multi-stage roadmap for the first phase of an Israel-Hamas ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza has been finalised, with implementation steps expected in the coming days. Egyptian sources close to the negotiations in Sharm El-Sheikh have confirmed the details to Daily News Egypt. This Egypt-backed deal outlines a clear progression of events, including prisoner releases, increased aid delivery, and an initial Israeli withdrawal from specific areas in Gaza.
On Thursday, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi wrote on X: “The world is witnessing a historic moment that embodies the triumph of the will for peace over the logic of war. From Sharm El-Sheikh — the city of peace and the cradle of dialogue and understanding — an agreement is reached to establish a ceasefire and end the war in Gaza after two years of suffering and woes, in accordance with the peace plan proposed by President Trump and under the auspices of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States of America. This agreement does not only close the chapter of war; it also opens the door of hope for the peoples of the region for a future defined by justice and stability.”
The Israel-Hamas Deal: Gaza Implementation Timeline
The agreement sets a precise schedule for its initial phase, detailing the steps for the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange:
- Thursday:
- Official announcement of the agreement.
- Israeli cabinet expected to approve the deal at 4 PM.
- Prisoner lists and first-phase withdrawal maps will be published.
- Friday:
- Legal appeals concerning the agreement will begin in Israeli courts.
- Initial Israeli withdrawal from designated areas in Gaza is set to commence by evening.
- Saturday:
- Withdrawal continues from specified zones.
- Hamas begins preparations for the exchange of prisoners and the handover of soldiers’ remains.
- Sunday:
- U.S. President Donald Trump is anticipated to arrive in the region to oversee implementation and formally declare an end to the conflict in Gaza.
- Monday:
- Execution of the exchange process, supervised by Egypt, Qatar, the U.S., and Turkey.
- Israel will release Palestinian detainees and return the remains of fighters, including members of elite units.
- Border crossings will fully reopen, allowing 400 aid trucks daily, with projections for over 600 in subsequent days.
Following this initial phase, negotiations for Phase Two will commence, focusing on completing the withdrawal and securing a permanent ceasefire.
Behind the Israel-Hamas Deal: Diplomacy in Sharm El-Sheikh
The breakthrough in negotiations occurred in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, following intensive talks among key delegations. Egypt’s General Intelligence Service (GIS) chief Hassan Rashad led the Egyptian contingent. He was joined by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the Qatari Prime Minister, and officials representing the United States, Israel, Qatar, Turkey, and Hamas.
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday night that both Israel and Hamas had signed off on the first phase of the Gaza Peace Plan during these Sharm El-Sheikh discussions. He extended thanks to Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey for their involvement.
Earlier that day, Egyptian President Al-Sisi had invited President Trump to attend the signing if a deal was reached: “If an agreement is reached between Israel and Hamas, come to Egypt — come to Sharm El-Sheikh — and sign the peace deal here.”
The ceasefire agreement reached on Egyptian territory aims to conclude two years of conflict in Gaza. The progress was significantly facilitated by Egypt’s professional stewardship of the talks. All Palestinian factions convened in Sharm El-Sheikh, in close proximity to the Israeli delegation, highlighting Egypt’s unique diplomatic capacity in the region. While the United States and President Donald Trump played a notable role, the resolution of previous impasses was directly attributable to intensive and dedicated Egyptian diplomatic efforts.
The post Israel-Hamas Deal in Sharm El-Sheikh: Gaza Peace Plan Roadmap and Timeline first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.