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Diplomatic delegations have touched down in Cairo ahead of crucial talks scheduled for Monday, anticipated to focus on the release of hostages held by the militant group in Gaza and a broader settlement to the ongoing war, while Israel's defense actions intensified across the Gazan territory, resulting in 63 casualties within the last 24 hours.

Key Emphasis of Monday's Discussions

The Cairo-based foreign ministry clarified that the upcoming discussions would address the initial step of the former president's proposed resolution plan, which involves the release of the remaining 48 captives held by Hamas in swap with Palestinian detainees currently held in Israeli detention facilities.

Global Representation

American representative Steve Witkoff is scheduled to participate in the negotiations, according to Israeli media outlets, together with Israel's representatives and a Palestinian group chaired by Khalil al-Hayya, the vice head of Hamas's political bureau.

"Talks in Cairo will be confined to a brief timeframe maximum," declared an official spokesperson to journalists.

Ceasefire Possibilities

The hostage release and detainee exchange would mean an prompt cessation of fighting in Gaza, according to the former president. Since Hamas's partial approval of his proposal to conclude the almost two-year campaign in Gaza on Friday, the US administration, Israeli government and Hamas have all stated optimism that a ceasefire is imminent.

The American top diplomat, Marco Rubio, described the Cairo negotiations as "the nearest we've reached getting all the captives released" during a weekend interview with ABC. He warned that discussions could still fail over logistical complications, and that detailed procedures for the captive liberation needed to be finalized.

Long-term Difficulties

Rubio emphasized significant long-term hurdles in executing the arrangement, particularly the formation of a administrative administration to supervise Gaza replacing the current rulers. He stressed that the immediate focus remained the captives' liberation and guaranteeing defense forces pulled back to an designated boundary in Gaza.

The former president's Plan Specifics

The proposed plan would entail Hamas freeing all hostages within 72 hours, surrendering administrative power to a international body headed by the US president, and surrendering its military assets. In compensation, Israel would systematically pull out its forces from Gaza and free more than 1,000 Palestinian detainees. The arrangement would also trigger a increase of humanitarian aid to Gaza, where some areas are facing starvation, along with reconstruction financing.

Retreat Specifics

On Saturday night, Trump shared a chart of Gaza that specified the primary retreat boundary for defense troops, ranging from 1.2 miles (2km) to 4 miles inside the territory. He stated that if Hamas agreed to the withdrawal line, a hostilities cessation would begin immediately.

Under the terms of the plan, Israeli forces are expected to completely pull back to a security area at the border of Gaza, however the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has declared that irrespective of any arrangement, forces would continue in most of Gaza.

International Responses

Positive outlook about a prospective peace agreement has increased internationally, with western and Arab leaders encouraging Hamas and the Israeli government to finalize a settlement. On Sunday, the German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, contacted Netanyahu and demonstrated endorsement for the Trump proposal, labeling it as "the optimal opportunity for stability," per an official readout.

Government representatives have additionally indicated they expect to declare an termination to the war in the coming days.

A prominent organization official told Agence France-Presse the group was "extremely eager to achieve an agreement to conclude the war and immediately commence the detainee swap process in alignment with the operational circumstances."

Ultimatums and Ongoing Violence

Trump warned the organization with "complete annihilation" if it did not reach a deal on Gaza during a CNN interview. He additionally asserted that Netanyahu was onboard for ending the bombing of Gaza.

Despite Trump's demand that Israel cease its assault and notwithstanding orders for the defense forces to only carry out "security actions," it has continued striking the Gazan enclave. No fewer than eight people were fatally wounded in different airstrikes on Gaza City, while four other people were shot dead while looking for humanitarian assistance in the southern part of the strip.

"While certain military actions have in fact stopped inside of the Gaza Strip, there's no hostilities cessation in place at this juncture," commented the Israeli spokesperson.

Civilian Cost

At least 67,139 people have been fatally wounded and about 170,000 injured by the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, as reported by the Palestinian health authorities, which stated that approximately half of those were civilian non-combatants. The Israeli government began the offensive in reprisal after an assault by Hamas-led operatives that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and involved 251 people being captured.

International Assessments

The international fact-finding mission, multiple human rights groups and the world's leading body of academic experts have determined that the Israeli government has committed genocide in Gaza. Israel rejects the charge and asserts it has only acted in national security.