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High-level talks in Cairo could yield a rapid hostage swap and a temporary halt to fighting
CAIRO, EGYPT — A peace pact between Hamas and Israel could be a done deal by the end of this week, officials say, as high-level negotiations take place in Egypt over the coming hours. Delegates are racing to lock in terms for a ceasefire and a rapid hostage exchange after two years of conflict, with negotiators saying there is broad agreement but that details still need finalising.
US intervention has been prominent in the talks. Former President Donald Trump has issued stark warnings aimed at Hamas, pressing the militant group to relinquish control of Gaza as part of any deal. His rhetoric underscores the political urgency surrounding the negotiations and the prize at stake for those involved.
“Complete obliteration,”
The words above were used by Trump to describe the consequences he said Hamas would face if it refused to give up power in Gaza. That language reflects both the pressure being applied and the heightened tensions between Washington and Jerusalem as negotiators attempt to reach a settlement.
Negotiations, the hostages and the immediate timeline
Diplomats in Cairo say the framework for a ceasefire has broad support, and the immediate priority is a fast hostage exchange. Negotiators expect that hostages could be returned almost immediately once the initial terms are agreed, though finalising the full pact may take a couple of days.
Despite calls from the US for an immediate stop to bombing, Israeli Defence Forces continued strikes in Gaza. Local health authorities reported at least 85 people killed in recent strikes, highlighting the fragility of any temporary pauses and the human cost present as talks proceed.
US–Israel tensions and leadership pressure
The situation has revealed friction between the US and Israel. Israel said there was a temporary halt in certain bombings but stressed that no formal ceasefire was yet in place. US figures, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, warned that a hostage exchange must happen quickly and cannot proceed amid active bombardment.
Reports also say Trump has been pressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to adhere to a tight timeline for a hostage swap, framing the deal as a major foreign policy achievement and even a bid for international recognition.
What to expect next
Negotiations in Cairo are expected to continue over the next 24–48 hours with a focus on: immediate hostage releases, a temporary halt to major offensive operations, and agreement on longer-term security arrangements for Gaza. Flexibility will be required from all sides, and any deal will likely start as a phased package rather than a single, final document.
- Hostage exchange: priority and likely first step once terms are agreed.
- Temporary pauses: limited halts in bombing announced, but no full ceasefire yet.
- Political pressure: strong diplomatic pressure from the US and other mediators to deliver a quick result.
Key takeaways
- A peace pact could be finalised by the end of this week if negotiators reach consensus in Cairo.
- Donald Trump issued a forceful warning to Hamas, increasing diplomatic pressure.
- Violence has continued even amid talks, with at least 85 reported killed in recent strikes.
- Tensions between the US and Israel are evident as Washington pushes for speed and Israel balances security concerns.
FAQs
Will a ceasefire be announced this week?
Possibly. Negotiators say broad agreement exists and a rapid hostage swap could come first, but officials caution that details will determine whether a full ceasefire is announced this week.
Who is leading the talks?
High-level delegations are meeting in Cairo with mediators from regional and international partners. Egypt is hosting the talks, with active diplomatic involvement from the United States.
What does Trump mean by “complete obliteration”?
The phrase was used to pressure Hamas into relinquishing power in Gaza. It reflects the high-stakes rhetoric being employed by some international actors, though practical outcomes will depend on negotiated terms, not public statements.
Are hostages likely to be freed quickly?
Negotiators have signalled that hostages could be returned almost immediately once initial agreement is reached. The priority for mediators is a quick, safe exchange to build momentum for a broader pact.
How reliable are casualty figures?
Casualty numbers cited in the talks come from local health authorities and can vary. Recent reports mentioned at least 85 people killed in Gaza in ongoing strikes.
Source: This report is based on coverage from 7NEWS Australia and on-the-ground updates from negotiators and officials involved in the Cairo discussions. For the original video and continuous updates, please refer to 7NEWS Australia.
The information in this article has been adapted from mainstream news sources and video reports published on official channels. Watch the full video here Peace pact might be signed between Hamas and Israel by end of this week | 7NEWS
