The next 48 hours are considered crucial for the fate of the indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel, taking place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, under intense American pressure to reach a preliminary agreement that includes a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.

Palestinian sources involved in the talks told the German Press Agency (DPA) that Donald Trump’s recent statements — in which he pledged to make “every effort and use every influence to ensure the agreements are upheld” — came after extensive contacts between American officials and Egyptian and Qatari mediators, as well as Palestinian representatives through indirect channels.

Intensive Consultations and American Involvement

Recent hours have been marked by increased diplomatic activity, as Egyptian and Qatari delegations held separate meetings with representatives from Hamas and Israel, focusing on the formation of “solid agreements regarding withdrawal lines and implementation guarantees.”

The same sources reported that Washington has taken on a more active role over the past two days, after receiving “positive signals from Cairo and Doha” indicating a foundation for progress.
This time, they note, the Americans are choosing to act “behind the scenes,” avoiding public statements that could undermine the delicate balance of the negotiations.

Kushner’s Arrival Signals Progress

According to the same sources, a key sign of progress was the surprise arrival of Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and former advisor, along with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, in Sharm el-Sheikh.
Their presence is seen as an indication that the talks have entered their final phase, and that the parties are now discussing final directions and U.S. guarantees.

For the third consecutive day, the Egyptian city is hosting indirect talks between Hamas and Israel, within the framework of Trump’s broader 20-point plan for a comprehensive resolution to the crisis.

U.S. Pressure on Israel

A Palestinian source participating in the consultations stated that the U.S. government has exerted “direct pressure” on Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the agreement.
According to the same source, Donald Trump personally delivered this message to Netanyahu during their most recent meeting in Washington, in what U.S. officials called a “decisive move” toward closing the chapter on the two-year war.

Guarantees and Monitoring Mechanisms

The United States, through its mediators, is reportedly willing to offer political and security guarantees to all parties involved — including Hamas and Arab states — provided the preliminary agreement’s terms are upheld.
These include:

• an international monitoring mechanism for the ceasefire
• a timetable for Israeli troop withdrawals from specific areas of Gaza
• unhindered entry of humanitarian aid

Cautious Optimism

Palestinian sources report “cautious optimism” among their ranks, though they acknowledge the complexity of unresolved issues.
Egyptian and Qatari mediators are working to bridge differences on:

• withdrawal arrangements
• the prisoner exchange mechanism
• ensuring unobstructed flow of humanitarian aid

Prospects for a Comprehensive Agreement

According to the same sources, Hamas has made it clear via mediators that it will not accept any deal that does not include a “full and permanent cessation of military operations” and guarantees against the recurrence of violence.

On its part, Washington appears determined to “make every possible effort to end the war and stabilize the Middle East,” while recognizing that field implementation “will require close monitoring and cooperation with regional partners.”