Palestinian Islamic Jihad to join Egypt talks to end Gaza war as Hamas cites prevailing ‘optimism’

CAIRO – 8 October 2025: A senior delegation from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) movement is set to arrive in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh city on Wednesday to take part in ongoing indirect talks between Hamas and Israel.

Egypt has been hosting high-level talks since Monday focused on reaching an agreement for a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave, a prisoner exchange deal, and the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff have joined the talks on Wednesday.

Head of the General Intelligence Services Major General Hassan Rashad and his Turkish counterpart, Ibrahim Kalin, also participated, alongside Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s top aide, Ron Dermer, will join as well.

Taher Al-Nunu, media advisor to the head of Hamas’ political bureau, stated today that mediators are exerting significant efforts to clear hurdles that could delay the implementation of a ceasefire.

He added that there is “a spirit of optimism” prevailing among the parties involved.

Al-Nunu noted that lists of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners to be released during a potential Gaza ceasefire plan have been exchanged with the Israeli side.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi called for all visiting delegations to "seize this opportunity" to reach a deal, underscoring Egypt's dedication to ensure that the current round of talks brings an end to the war.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of a new class at the Police Academy on Wednesday, Sisi extended an invitation to Trump to visit Egypt to attend the signing ceremony of a potential agreement to end the war in Gaza, should negotiations succeed.

The president stated that he received “very encouraging” reports regarding the ongoing talks.