Trump sends Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Egypt to seal Gaza hostage deal

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has sent his son-in-law Jared Kushner and senior envoy Steve Witkoff to Egypt to help finalize the technical details of a hostage release and also discuss a ceasefire or peace plan that will bring a halt to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The commander-in-chief earlier shared that he believes Hamas is "ready for a lasting peace" after the group agreed to release "all occupation prisoners—both living and remains—according to the exchange formula contained in President Donald Trump's proposal."

The latest conflict between Hamas and Israel has been going on for more than two years since October 2023.

Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to join Gaza peace talks in Egypt

Steve Witkoff, the US envoy to the Middle East, has reportedly played an important role in negotiations involving hostages and peace efforts in the region. He has also worked alongside officials to support the overall diplomatic process.

On the other hand, Kushner served as the top Middle East envoy during Trump’s first term.

“Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will travel to Egypt later today to finalize the technical details of the hostage release and discuss the lasting peace deal,” a White House official said.

They will also talk about a long-term ceasefire agreement, aiming to bring stability to the region while ensuring the hostages are safely returned.

Trump took to Truth Social on Saturday, October 4, to write, "After negotiations, Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which we have shown to, and shared with, Hamas. When Hamas confirms, the Ceasefire will be IMMEDIATELY effective, the Hostages and Prisoner Exchange will begin, and we will create the conditions for the next phase of withdrawal, which will bring us close to the end of this 3,000 YEAR CATASTROPHE. Thank you for your attention to this matter and, STAY TUNED!"

Egypt confirmed it will host delegations from both Israel and Hamas on Monday. It will focus on the proposed exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

Netanyahu wants to cooperate with Trump 'for the immediate release of all hostages'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel’s negotiating team would travel to Egypt to finalize the deal. 

“I have instructed the negotiating team to go to Egypt to finalize the technical details. The intention is to limit the negotiations to a few days,” Netanyahu said in a televised statement.

He added that he hopes to bring all hostages home soon, coinciding with the Jewish festival of Sukkot.

Netanyahu also said Hamas would be disarmed, either through Trump’s peace plan or by Israel’s military.

The talks come a month after it was reported that Israeli airstrikes in Qatar allegedly killed six Hamas negotiators, which had stopped earlier attempts at a ceasefire.

As per CNN News, in a statement from his office, Netanyahu said, “Israel is preparing to immediately implement the first phase of Trump’s plan for the immediate release of all hostages."

He added, “We will continue to work in full cooperation with the president and his team to end the war in accordance with the principles set forth by Israel that are consistent with President Trump’s vision.”

Trump won't tolerate outcome where Gaza poses a threat again

In an earlier Truth Social post on Saturday, Trump wrote, "I appreciate that Israel has temporarily stopped the bombing in order to give the Hostage release and Peace Deal a chance to be completed. Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off."

He continued, "I will not tolerate delay, which many think will happen, or any outcome where Gaza poses a threat again. Let’s get this done, FAST. Everyone will be treated fairly!"