Steve Whittock, American diplomat and Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, will not leave Egypt until an agreement is reached between Israel and Hamas on the release of hostages and an end to the fighting in Gaza.
These indirect negotiations are underway in the city of Sharm el-Sheikh, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States.
According to Axios, Whittaker, along with Trump’s son-in-law and former adviser Jared Kushner, arrived in Sharm El-Sheikh on Tuesday (October 8, 2025) to join the talks.
Trump’s proposed plan includes a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, the release of all remaining hostages, approximately 102 people, including 10 alive and the remains of 18 deceased, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, and the formation of an interim international government overseen by Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Hamas insists on ensuring a permanent ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal, while the Israeli regime insists on the disarmament of the Hamas resistance movement.
