Hamas delegation head Khalil al-Hayya stated on October 7th, 2025, that Hamas demands a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and international guarantees against renewed fighting, maintaining positions from previous talks and not accepting the Trump framework. The second day of negotiations in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, focused on withdrawal maps and a hostage release timeline, concluding on October 7th, 2025, according to Al-Jazeera. Despite President Trump's plan, Egypt and Qatar appear to support Hamas's demands for a complete end to the war and full Israeli withdrawal before any hostage release, a stance reiterated by a senior Hamas source to Al-Jazeera. Negotiations, which concluded their second day on October 7th, 2025, are reportedly seeing significant gaps with no certainty of a deal, as stated by Khalil al-Hayya. Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are tasked with securing concessions. In a separate development, environmental activist Greta Thunberg faced renewed criticism on October 7th, 2025, for posting an image of Israeli hostage Evyatar David, who was allegedly abused by Hamas, in relation to "Palestinian prisoners." This occurred as Witkoff and Kushner continued their efforts in Egypt. Minister Drummer is scheduled to join the negotiating calls on October 8th, 2025. Northern Gaza has been described as "wiped off the map" and reduced to rubble by the Israeli army, according to a report on October 7th, 2025. Lebanese Maronite leader Samir Geagea called for Hezbollah to disassociate from Hamas and relinquish its weapons on October 7th, 2025. Qatar had previously stated that all parties were pushing towards an agreement, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had expressed optimism. Senator Marco Rubio reiterated his commitment to eliminating Hamas and securing hostage releases.
