Gaza peace talks, based on US president’s plan, enter second day on two-year anniversary of beginning of war between Israel & Hamas

Peace talks between Israel and Hamas resumed in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on Tuesday, marking the two-year anniversary of the militant group’s surprise attack that ignited the devastating conflict. Indirect negotiations are focusing on a plan proposed last week by U.S. President Donald Trump, which aims to end the war that has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives.

Progress and hurdles in Trump’s plan

The second day of talks followed several hours of discussion on Monday, during which an Egyptian official reported that the parties had agreed on most terms for the first phase. This initial stage includes a ceasefire and the release of hostages abducted during the initial Hamas assault on October 7, 2023. President Trump expressed optimism on Monday about the “really good chance” of a “lasting deal” that could lead to “peace in the Middle East.”

However, major uncertainties remain. Key to the plan is the demand that Hamas disarm and that an international security and governance force be established in Gaza following an Israeli troop withdrawal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on Hamas's surrender, a point the group has yet to address.

Humanitarian crisis and global call for peace

The war began when Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 in southern Israel. The ensuing Israeli offensive has killed 67,160 Palestinians and left the Gaza Strip in ruins, according to the territory’s Health Ministry.

Mediators from Qatar and Egypt are facilitating the talks, with U S envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner also involved. Ahead of the resumption, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an end to hostilities, stressing that the Trump proposal “presents an opportunity that must be seized.” 

A vital component of the plan involves surging humanitarian aid into Gaza, where millions face hunger. The U.N. is reportedly “poised and ready” to deliver massive amounts of aid as soon as a green light is given.

US gave USD 21.7 bn military aid to Israel 

Washington: A new academic study reveals that  U.S. under both the Biden and Trump administrations, has provided at least $21.7 billion in military assistance to Israel since the start of the Gaza war two years ago. The report, published by Brown University's Costs of War project on the October 7 anniversary, offers a comprehensive accounting of aid since the Hamas attacks in 2023. 

The study indicates that U.S. aid was critical, asserting that Israel would not have been able to sustain its campaign against Hamas without this extensive American support. The main report breaks down the total, showing $17.9 billion was provided during the first year of the war and $3.8 billion in the second year. Some of this military assistance has been delivered, while the rest is slated for future years. A related study from the project estimates that the US has spent an additional $9.65 billion to $12 billion on security aid and operations in the broader Middle East over the same two-year period. This includes activities such as strikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels and costs associated with attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. The reports come as peace talks between Israel and Hamas resume in Egypt, pressed forward by President Trump’s plan to end the conflict.

‘Greta has anger mgmt issues’

Washington: US President Donald Trump criticised climate activist Greta Thunberg, suggesting she has an "anger management problem" and should see a doctor.  He made these comments after Thunberg's detention and deportation by Israel, where she was participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza. Trump called Thunberg a "troublemaker" and expressed surprise that she's "so angry" for a young person. "She (Greta Thunberg) is just a troublemaker... she's no longer into the environment now. She's a troublemaker. She has an anger management problem. I think she should see a doctor... Have you ever watched her? She's a young person. She's so angry, she's so crazy... She's just a troublemaker", Trump said. Media reported Thunberg has arrived in Greece along with 160 campaigners from the Global Sumud Flotilla, having been deported by Israel. Israel said that it had expelled a total of 171 activists from the flotilla's ships.