Hamas announced on Saturday the start of its meetings in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, with Palestinian factions and mediators to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the future of the Gaza Strip.
The meetings aimed to complete what was agreed upon in the first phase, including halting “Israeli aggression and escalation, assassinations, opening the crossings and allowing the entry of the national committee”, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem told reporters.
Discussions would then move to seek reasonable and acceptable approaches for all parties regarding the second phase, whether it involved the entry of international forces or the Gaza technocratic committee into the enclave or addressing the issue of Palestinian weapons, Qassem added.
He said Hamas prioritised the Palestinian people’s interest and sought to “remove any pretexts for Israel to resume war on the Gaza Strip”.
A Hamas delegation led by its leader in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, along with other faction representatives, arrived in Cairo on Friday for the multiday talks.
The developments come as the fragile October 2025 ceasefire between Hamas and Israel falters, with key provisions, including disarmament and reconstruction, yet to be implemented.
The first phase of the ceasefire included an exchange of prisoners and detainees, the entry of humanitarian aid into the strip and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from some areas.
The United States announced in mid-January the start of the second phase of the ceasefire, which includes a complete Israeli military withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, reconstruction and the establishment of a transitional governing body in the Gaza Strip.
- Hamas began meetings in Cairo with Palestinian factions and mediators to discuss implementing the ceasefire and Gaza’s future.
- Initial discussions focus on halting Israeli aggression, opening crossings, and allowing a national committee into Gaza.
- The second phase talks aim to address international force entry, Gaza technocratic committee involvement, and Palestinian weapons issues.
- Hamas emphasizes prioritizing Palestinian interests and preventing any justification for renewed Israeli attacks.
- The fragile October 2025 ceasefire falters as key elements like disarmament, reconstruction, and a transitional Gaza governance remain unresolved.
