Gaza talks in Cairo advance new ceasefire plan

Hamas talks in Cairo explore a full ceasefire backed by a staged disarmament and a role for the Palestinian Authority

Egypt pushes new Gaza ceasefire plan with hostage release

A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo for talks about a possible deal with Israel as Egypt presented a new plan for a comprehensive ceasefire. The proposal calls for releasing all hostages in one phase, ending the war, a framework for Gaza’s demilitarization, and the symbolic exile of some Hamas members. Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty said Egypt is working with Qatar and the United States to revive the 60-day plan.

The plan envisions Israeli withdrawal and international guarantees, with a longer-term settlement that includes a role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza after the war. An Arab official familiar with the talks said Cairo plans to invite an Israeli negotiating team soon if progress is made, and that draft agreements could follow. He noted that what drew Hamas to Cairo was Israel’s threat to recapture Gaza City.

The talks show how mediators are trying to turn a fragile ceasefire into a broader political settlement. Egypt presents a package that links hostages, a Gaza demilitarization framework, and a governance plan, aiming to prevent repeated escalations. Yet trust remains the main obstacle: Hamas worries about a later Israeli breach, while Israel fears a disarmament bargain could be exploited to stall a final settlement. The shift toward a PA role signals a shift from purely military terms to governance, which could complicate but also stabilize life for Gaza residents if implemented credibly. The dialogue also reflects regional rivalries, with Egypt, Qatar, and the United States trying to shape a framework that survives changing political winds at home and abroad.

Highlights

The path to a durable peace depends on credible guarantees and consistent pressure to turn talks into steady, verifiable action.