10/05/2025October 5, 2025Egypt talks to take place as Israeli strikes in Gaza reported

Talks over the potential end of the war in Gaza and a hostage deal between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas will take place in Egypt on Monday.

Who will be at the Egypt talks?

Negotiation teams arrived in Cairo on Sunday ahead of the talks, with optimistic tones coming from both Israel, Hamas and the mediating countries, the United States and Egypt, regarding the chances of reaching an agreement. US special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner will also be in Egypt for the talks.

Israeli and Saudi media reported that Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas figure, will lead the militant group’s delegation to the Cairo talks. Israel attempted to assassinate al-Hayya last month in Qatar, but he survived the strike.   

In a recorded message, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced hope the Israeli hostages could be at home at some point during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, which takes place from Monday evening until Tuesday evening, October 14.

“Hamas will be disarmed… either diplomatically via Trump’s plan or militarily by us,” Netanyahu said.

Egypt talks buoy hopes for Gaza peace deal, hostage release

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Hamas, which is designated a terror organization by Israel, the US and several other countries, is believed to be still holding 48 hostages in the Gaza Strip. Twenty of the hostages are believed to be alive. 

Fresh Israeli strikes reported 

Despite Trump’s call for a pause in hostilities, Israeli strikes were still reported in Gaza overnight.

Gaza’s Civil Defense agency said five people were killed by Israeli strikes on Sunday, according to the Times of Israel. Reuters news agency also reported fresh strikes on Gaza on Sunday, citing Palestinian witnesses.   

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said “some 900,000 residents” of Gaza City have moved towards the embattled territory’s south. Israel launched an offensive in August to take over Gaza City from Hamas.  

Trump says he believes Hamas ‘ready for a lasting peace’

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