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Negotiating delegations have touched down in Cairo before crucial talks scheduled for Monday, anticipated to center around the liberation of captives held by Hamas in Gaza and a comprehensive conclusion to the protracted hostilities, while Israeli defense actions intensified across the Gazan enclave, causing 63 casualties within the last 24 hours.

Key Priority of Monday's Talks

The Egyptian foreign ministry announced that Monday's discussions would target the first phase of the former president's outlined peace initiative, which involves the release of the outstanding 48 captives held by the Gaza-based organization in exchange for Palestinian prisoners currently held in Israel's detention facilities.

Foreign Representation

American representative Steve Witkoff is scheduled to attend the discussions, as reported by local media outlets, in addition to Israeli representatives and a Palestinian group headed by Khalil al-Hayya, the deputy head of Hamas's political bureau.

"Negotiations in Egypt will be restricted to a few days maximum," stated an official spokesperson to the press.

Truce Possibilities

The hostage release and prisoner swap would mean an immediate halt in hostilities in Gaza, as stated by Trump. Since the group's qualified approval of his framework to end the nearly two-year conflict in Gaza on Friday, the United States, Israeli government and Hamas have all expressed confidence that a peace agreement is achievable.

The State Department chief, Marco Rubio, characterized the Cairo talks as "the most promising we've approached getting all the hostages freed" during a weekend appearance with ABC. He warned that negotiations could still fail over logistical complications, and that specific procedures for the captive liberation needed to be established.

Ongoing Challenges

Rubio emphasized substantial future challenges in executing the deal, particularly the formation of a professional authority to supervise Gaza in place of Hamas. He stressed that the immediate priority remained the hostages' liberation and ensuring defense forces retreated to an designated line in Gaza.

The former president's Plan Specifics

The proposed initiative would entail Hamas freeing all captives within 72 hours, surrendering ruling authority to a transnational administration led by the American leader, and laying down its weapons. In return, the Israeli government would gradually withdraw its military from Gaza and release more than 1,000 Palestinian detainees. The agreement would additionally authorize a increase of relief supplies to Gaza, in which certain parts are undergoing famine, along with reconstruction funds.

Pullback Details

On Saturday night, Trump revealed a chart of Gaza that specified the first retreat line for defense forces, varying between 1.2 miles (2km) to 4 miles deep the territory. He stated that if the group accepted the withdrawal line, a ceasefire would start promptly.

According to the terms of the plan, defense military are supposed to entirely withdraw to a security area at the edge of Gaza, however the Israeli leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, has declared that despite any agreement, troops would remain in the majority of Gaza.

Worldwide Reactions

Positive outlook about a prospective ceasefire has expanded globally, with European and American and Middle Eastern officials pressing Hamas and Israel to conclude a settlement. On Sunday, the European statesman, Friedrich Merz, spoke with Netanyahu and expressed support for the former president's plan, labeling it as "the best chance for stability," based on an official statement.

Israeli representatives have also indicated they hope to proclaim an termination to the conflict in the next days.

A senior Hamas representative told international media the group was "highly motivated to achieve an agreement to conclude the conflict and promptly begin the captive release operation in alignment with the field conditions."

Ultimatums and Persistent Violence

Trump threatened Hamas with "absolute obliteration" if it refused to agree to a settlement on Gaza during a CNN appearance. He additionally claimed that Netanyahu was onboard for halting the military campaign of Gaza.

Despite Trump's demand that Israel halt its assault and despite directives for the military to only conduct "defensive operations," it has persisted striking the Palestinian territory. At least eight people were fatally wounded in individual airstrikes on Gaza City, while four other people were fatally shot while seeking humanitarian assistance in the south of the territory.

"While specific airstrikes have indeed stopped inside of the Gaza Strip, there's no hostilities cessation in place at this point in time," remarked the government spokesperson.

Civilian Toll

No fewer than 67,139 people have been killed and approximately 170,000 wounded by the Israeli defense operations in Gaza, as reported by the local medical officials, which reported that about 50 percent of those were women and children. Israel initiated the offensive in retaliation after an assault by Hamas-led operatives that killed about 1,200 people and entailed 251 people being taken hostage.

UN Assessments

The United Nations investigative body, multiple advocacy groups and the preeminent body of specialized researchers have concluded that Israel has committed systematic destruction in Gaza. Israeli authorities rejects the accusation and maintains it has only acted in national security.