CAIRO — Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel for a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange resumed in Egypt on Tuesday, as mediators work to advance US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war.

Egyptian local media reported that delegations from Hamas and Israel began a second day of talks in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh.

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari confirmed the resumption of the talks, saying many details in Trump’s Gaza plan still require discussion and agreement between both sides.

Speaking at a press conference in Doha, Al-Ansari said that Hamas and Israeli negotiators met for four hours on Monday to address obstacles preventing a ceasefire in Gaza.

“Israel should have stopped attacks under Trump’s plan, but what we see on the ground contradicts that,” he said, expressing appreciation for US efforts and reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to supporting Trump’s initiative to end the war and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.

“The US position is clear,” Al-Ansari added. “There is a link between the ceasefire and the release of the (Israeli) hostages.”

He said discussions with Washington are ongoing to reach a consensus on mechanisms that would ensure permanent implementation of Trump’s plan, adding that a practical and swiftly executed agreement among all parties would guarantee a long-lasting ceasefire.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said a US delegation will participate in the negotiations on Wednesday.

Trump’s 20-point proposal, unveiled on Sept. 29, includes 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.

According to Egypt’s state-run Al-Qahera News channel, the first day of negotiations concluded in a “positive atmosphere.” Israel’s public broadcaster KAN also reported optimism, suggesting an agreement could be reached by Sunday.

Since October 2023, Israeli bombardment has killed more than 67,100 Palestinians — most of them women and children — leaving Gaza in ruins and driving widespread displacement, hunger, and disease. — Agencies