Trump Announces Gaza Peace Negotiations Underway: Hostage Release Contingent on Ceasefire

President Trump indicated on Sunday that the ongoing Gaza truce negotiations will require several days to complete, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that Israeli bombing must cease for any hostage release to proceed effectively.

"Negotiations are currently underway as we speak. They've initiated the talks. It will continue for a couple of days," Trump informed reporters at the White House.

"We'll see the outcome. But I'm hearing the progress is very positive," he added.

In communications with CNN published Sunday, Trump confirmed "yes" when questioned whether Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu had agreed to end military operations in Gaza.

Negotiators representing both Israel and Hamas were scheduled to meet in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, with Netanyahu expressing optimism that hostages held in Gaza might be released within days.

However, Rubio stressed the necessity of halting Israeli strikes on Gaza.

"I believe the Israelis and everyone involved recognize that hostage releases cannot occur during ongoing strikes, so the military actions will need to pause," the Secretary of State told CBS News' "Face the Nation."

"Combat operations cannot continue simultaneously with these efforts."

This diplomatic initiative follows Hamas' positive response to Trump's framework for ending hostilities and exchanging captives in Gaza for Palestinians detained in Israeli facilities.

Rubio explained to NBC's "Meet the Press" that "logistical challenges" remained to be resolved before hostage releases could proceed.

He further noted that longer-term objectives would present even greater difficulties, particularly regarding governance of the war-devastated territory and disarmament of militant groups.

"Establishing a non-Hamas governmental structure in Gaza cannot be accomplished in three days. This process requires time," Rubio stated on NBC.

Trump informed CNN that clarity would emerge "soon" regarding whether the Palestinian militant group—responsible for the deadly October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the conflict—was genuinely committed to peace.

The US president added that if Hamas refused to relinquish power, they would face "Complete Obliteration!"