Hamas Confirms Talks on Second Phase of Gaza Truce in Cairo

CAIRO: Senior Hamas leaders held talks in Cairo on Sunday to discuss the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement with Egypt’s intelligence chief, the Palestinian group said.

The delegation, led by Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, arrived in the Egyptian capital on Saturday for discussions with Hassan Rashad, head of Egyptian intelligence, according to two Hamas officials.

In a statement, Hamas said it had “reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the first phase of the ceasefire agreement” while stressing the need to halt Israeli violations. The group also said the “nature of the second phase of the agreement” was discussed, though no further details were provided.

The second phase of the truce plan involves disarming Hamas, establishing a transitional authority, and deploying an international stabilisation force. However, Hamas has rejected disarmament and remains excluded from any future governance of Gaza under the US-backed plan approved by the UN Security Council.

Tensions have remained high since the truce came into effect on October 10 following two years of conflict. In recent days, both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the ceasefire.

Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that Israeli airstrikes on Saturday killed 21 people and wounded dozens more. The Israeli military said the strikes targeted a Hamas fighter who crossed the so-called Yellow Line within Gaza and fired at Israeli forces. In response, Israel stated that it “began striking terror targets in the Gaza Strip.”

Hamas also raised concerns during the Cairo talks about fighters in southern Gaza’s Rafah region with whom it has lost contact. Media reports indicate that up to 200 Hamas fighters may be trapped in tunnels beneath areas where the Israeli military has redeployed under phase one of the truce.

The talks in Cairo highlight Egypt’s continuing role as a mediator in Gaza and the challenges of advancing to the next stage of the ceasefire, particularly amid ongoing violence and disagreements over disarmament and governance.