(MENAFN) President Donald Trump has called on all parties involved in the Gaza conflict to "move fast" as indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel are set to begin in Egypt on Monday.

The discussions follow Hamas's agreement to certain elements of a 20-point US peace proposal, including the release of hostages and the transfer of Gaza's administration to Palestinian technocrats. However, the group is seeking talks on other parts of the plan. Its reply did not address key demands such as disarmament or excluding itself from future governance in Gaza.

Trump described the negotiations as "very successful" in a social media post, adding: "I am told the first phase should be completed this week, and I am asking everyone to move fast." He warned that "time is of the essence or massive bloodshed will follow."

Speaking to reporters, Trump expressed optimism that the hostages would be released "very soon." When questioned about the possibility of amending the proposal, he said, "we don't need flexibility because everybody has pretty much agreed to it, but there will always be some changes." He continued, "It's a great deal for Israel, it's a great deal for the entire Arab world, Muslim world, and world, so we're very happy about it."

Despite Trump's call on Friday for Israel to "immediately stop the bombing" following Hamas's response to the plan, Israeli airstrikes have continued.

Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian stated on Sunday that "while certain bombings have actually stopped inside of the Gaza Strip, there's no ceasefire in place at this point in time."

MENAFN06102025000045017640ID1110154095