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Diplomatic delegations have gathered in Cairo ahead of important talks scheduled for Monday, expected to address the liberation of captives held by Hamas in Gaza and a comprehensive settlement to the ongoing war, while Israeli defense strikes continued across the Palestinian territory, causing 63 fatalities within the last 24 hours.

Key Priority of Monday's Talks

The Cairo-based diplomatic corps stated that the upcoming negotiations would concentrate on the primary stage of Donald Trump's outlined resolution framework, which centers on the liberation of the remaining 48 hostages held by Hamas in return for Arab detainees currently held in Israeli custody.

International Representation

American envoy Steve Witkoff is anticipated to attend the talks, based on Israeli media reports, alongside Israeli representatives and a Palestinian group led by Khalil al-Hayya, the vice head of the organization's political bureau.

"Discussions in Egypt will be limited to a few days maximum," declared an Israeli government representative to media.

Hostilities cessation Prospects

The captive liberation and prisoner swap would mean an immediate end to fighting in Gaza, as stated by the former president. Since the group's conditional approval of his framework to terminate the nearly two-year conflict in Gaza on Friday, the United States, Israel and the militant organization have all expressed confidence that a truce is achievable.

The American top diplomat, Marco Rubio, described the Cairo negotiations as "the most promising we've reached getting all the hostages liberated" during a Sunday interview with ABC. He cautioned that discussions could still stumble over logistical issues, and that specific plans for the captive liberation needed to be worked out.

Ongoing Difficulties

Rubio noted major future obstacles in carrying out the agreement, particularly the creation of a professional governing body to supervise Gaza instead of Hamas. He underscored that the present focus remained the captives' liberation and guaranteeing Israeli troops retreated to an designated line in Gaza.

Trump's Framework Components

Trump's initiative would entail the organization releasing all captives within 72 hours, relinquishing administrative authority to a multinational administration headed by the US president, and surrendering its military assets. In compensation, Israel would gradually withdraw its troops from Gaza and release more than 1,000 Palestinian detainees. The agreement would also authorize a flow of assistance to Gaza, where some regions are undergoing famine, along with rebuilding resources.

Withdrawal Parameters

On Saturday night, Trump shared a chart of Gaza that delineated the first retreat position for Israeli troops, varying between 1.2 miles (2km) to 4 miles deep the area. He declared that if the group agreed to the withdrawal line, a ceasefire would begin instantly.

Per the provisions of the proposal, defense forces are expected to fully pull back to a buffer zone at the edge of Gaza, but the Israeli leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, has declared that despite any deal, soldiers would stay in the bulk of Gaza.

Global Reactions

Hope about a potential ceasefire has grown across the world, with western and Arab officials encouraging the organization and Israel to reach a deal. On Sunday, the European statesman, Friedrich Merz, called Netanyahu and demonstrated support for the former president's plan, characterizing it as "the optimal opportunity for stability," according to an official readout.

Government officials have also stated they aim to proclaim an conclusion to the conflict in the coming days.

A high-ranking Hamas official told news outlets the group was "very keen to reach an agreement to terminate the war and immediately start the captive release operation in accordance with the ground realities."

Ultimatums and Persistent Strikes

Trump warned the organization with "complete annihilation" if it failed to agree to a settlement on Gaza during a television interview. He also stated that Netanyahu was in agreement for ending the military campaign of Gaza.

In spite of Trump's demand that the Israeli government halt its military operations and despite directives for the defense forces to only carry out "protective measures," it has continued bombing the Palestinian enclave. At least eight people were killed in different airstrikes on Gaza City, while four other people were killed by gunfire while attempting to obtain aid in the south of the territory.

"Although specific military actions have in fact halted inside of the Gaza Strip, there's no truce in place at this point in time," commented the government spokesperson.

Humanitarian Impact

At least 67,139 people have been fatally wounded and approximately 170,000 harmed by the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, per the local medical officials, which stated that approximately half of those were women and children. Israel launched the offensive in response after an attack by Hamas-led fighters that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and included 251 individuals being captured.

International Assessments

The United Nations investigative body, numerous advocacy groups and the preeminent organization of academic experts have concluded that Israel has carried out mass atrocities in Gaza. Israeli authorities disputes the charge and states it has only responded in self-protection.