WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump said Sunday that negotiations with Hamas over his Gaza ceasefire proposal are progressing quickly ahead of a key meeting 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 wrote 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.

Trump said he is closely monitoring the situation, warning that “time is of the essence or massive bloodshed will follow.”

Earlier Sunday, Hamas announced that a delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya, the group’s exiled Gaza chief, arrived in Egypt “to begin talks on mechanisms for a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and a prisoner exchange.”

The visit’s duration and detailed agenda were not disclosed, but the talks come amid growing international efforts to end the nearly two-year-long Israeli war on Gaza.

Israel confirmed that a negotiating team will depart for Sharm El-Sheikh on Monday for indirect talks with Hamas under Trump’s Gaza plan.

Unveiled on Sept. 29, Trump’s 20-point proposal calls for the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a ceasefire, the disarmament of Hamas, and Gaza’s reconstruction. Hamas has agreed to the plan in principle, and the next stage of negotiations will take place in Egypt.

Since October 2023, Israeli bombardment has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians — most of them women and children — rendering Gaza uninhabitable and pushing millions into starvation and disease. — Agencies