Hamas begins talks with Palestinian factions on Gaza ceasefire agreement

Hamas has initiated a critical round of talks in Cairo with various Palestinian factions and international mediators, aiming to advance the implementation of a fragile Gaza ceasefire agreement. The discussions, which began Saturday and continued into Sunday, are focused on pushing beyond the first phase of the US-brokered October 2025 truce, which remains largely unimplemented amid accusations of daily Israeli violations. The negotiations are unfolding against a backdrop of escalating violence, with Israel reportedly killing at least nine people in Gaza on Sunday alone, further exacerbating the dire humanitarian crisis. Key sticking points include Israel continued military presence, its rejection of Hamas police force within a new security structure, and Hamas refusal to disarm without a clear political horizon. The original 20-point plan, introduced by then-President Donald Trump in September 2025, envisioned a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, a technocratic administration for Gaza, and an international stabilization force. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye are making intensive efforts to break the deadlock in implementing the second phase of the Sharm El-Sheikh agreement, which includes further Israeli withdrawals, the deployment of international forces, and the facilitated entry of humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials. However, with Israel asserting control over an expanding portion of Gaza and Hamas demanding an end to Israeli attacks as a prerequisite for progress, the path to a comprehensive and lasting resolution remains fraught with significant challenges.