Pakistan, Oct. 8 -- Cautious optimism surrounds the ongoing Gaza talks in Egypt as Hamas has handed over lists of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners for a potential swap deal. The high-level negotiations, attended by senior political and intelligence officials, aim to halt the conflict, ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and finalize the exchange mechanism. Despite years of hostility, this round of talks marks one of the closest attempts to achieving calm after months of devastating violence in the region.

However, key disagreements persist, particularly over demands for Hamas to disarm-an issue the group has refused to consider. Discussions also continue on implementing the first phase of U.S. President Donald Tr...