Palestinian sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Wednesday, confirmed that the next 48 hours will be critical in determining the fate of the indirect talks between Hamas and Israel regarding Trump’s plan to release hostages and end the war in Gaza.

Another Palestinian source said, “Wednesday will reveal whether the American and Arab efforts will finally succeed in turning this long process into an actual agreement that ends the war ongoing for two years.”

He added that all parties “are aware of the humanitarian and political challenge left by the war, and therefore there is consensus that any agreement must be comprehensive, ensuring a permanent ceasefire, reconstruction, and the return of displaced persons.”

US Pressure Behind the Scenes

The sources explained that recent statements by US President Donald Trump, in which he said he would exert “all his effort and influence to ensure the parties’ commitment to what will be agreed upon,” came after intensive contacts by US officials with Egyptian and Qatari mediators and Palestinian parties through indirect channels, according to the German news agency.

The sources added that recent hours have witnessed increased diplomatic activity on multiple tracks, with Egyptian and Qatari mediators holding separate meetings with Hamas representatives and the Israeli side, focusing on “solidifying understandings about field withdrawal lines and guarantees of implementation.”

According to the sources, Washington has become more deeply involved in the negotiations over the past two days, “after receiving positive signals from Cairo and Doha about the existence of a foundation to build upon,” noting that “US officials tried this time to work behind the scenes instead of public statements to avoid undermining the fragile progress in the negotiations.”

The sources pointed out that one of the most prominent indicators observed by the Palestinian side is the “sudden movement” of Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and former adviser, and US envoy Steve Witkoff, who arrived in Sharm El-Sheikh in recent hours.

They added that this visit “clearly indicates that the negotiations have reached their final stages,” and their presence “is usually linked to drafting final understandings or setting American guarantees in case of an agreement.”

Overcoming Points of Disagreement

A source indicated that Egyptian and Qatari mediators are currently working to overcome remaining disagreements regarding withdrawal arrangements, prisoner handover mechanisms, and ensuring the free movement of humanitarian aid, explaining that the Palestinian delegation “showed great flexibility in exchange for clear commitments and guarantees.”

He also pointed out that “Hamas clarified through mediators that any agreement will not be acceptable unless it includes a comprehensive halt to military operations and guarantees no return to escalation,” affirming that the movement “is closely following signals coming from Washington, especially Trump’s talk about American guarantees.”

For the third consecutive day, the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh is hosting indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel to reach a ceasefire agreement according to Trump’s 20-point plan.

Trump announced on September 29 a ceasefire plan in Gaza consisting of 20 points, including an immediate ceasefire, releasing hostages within 72 hours in exchange for prisoner swaps, disarming Hamas, and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces followed by the formation of an international “Peace Council” to manage the transitional phase and reconstruction.

Earlier this month, Hamas approved Trump’s plan and confirmed its readiness to hand over the detained Israelis, both alive and dead, in one batch and to start serious negotiations to end the war in Gaza.