(MENAFN) President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that discussions with Hamas regarding his proposed Gaza ceasefire have made significant progress as key meetings are set to take place in Egypt.

“There have been very positive discussions with Hamas, and Countries from all over the World (Arab, Muslim, and everyone else) this weekend, to release the Hostages, end the War in Gaza but, more importantly, finally have long sought peace in the Middle East,” Trump shared on his Truth Social platform.

“These talks have been very successful, and proceeding rapidly. The technical teams will again meet Monday, in Egypt, to work through and clarify the final details. I am told that the first phase should be completed this week, and I am asking everyone to move fast,” he added.

The US president stressed the urgency of the situation, warning that “time is of the essence or, massive bloodshed will follow.”

Earlier, Hamas revealed that a delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya, the group's exiled Gaza chief, arrived in Egypt to begin discussions on the terms of a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, and a potential prisoner exchange. The length and specific agenda of the visit were not disclosed, but the talks come amid increasing global efforts to bring an end to the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza, which has been raging for almost two years.

Israel, in turn, announced that its negotiation team would travel to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt on Monday for indirect talks with Hamas about a prisoner swap, as part of Trump’s Gaza initiative.

Trump’s 20-point proposal, unveiled on September 29, calls for the release of all Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a ceasefire, the disarmament of Hamas, and the reconstruction of Gaza. While Hamas has agreed to the framework in principle, the next stage of discussions is set for Egypt.

The Israeli military's actions since October 2023 have led to the deaths of more than 67,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. The ongoing airstrikes have devastated Gaza, leaving the region uninhabitable, causing widespread displacement, starvation, and disease.

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