Hamas and Egypt discuss Gaza ceasefire implementation in Cairo

A senior Hamas delegation has conducted crucial talks with Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad in Cairo, focusing on the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and addressing ongoing Israeli violations. The high-level meeting brought together Hamas Leadership Council head Muhammad Darwish and several prominent members to coordinate with Egyptian mediators on stabilizing the fragile truce that took effect in October.

Ceasefire Implementation and Violation Concerns

During the discussions, Hamas officials reaffirmed their commitment to executing the first phase of the ceasefire agreement but expressed serious concerns about Israeli actions that threaten to undermine the deal. The delegation called for establishing a clear monitoring mechanism supervised by mediators to document violations and ensure immediate corrective action. According to Gaza's Government Media Office, Israeli forces have killed 342 Palestinians since the ceasefire began, highlighting the urgent need for better violation prevention systems.

Prisoner Exchange and Second Phase Stalemate

The talks also addressed the stalled prisoner exchange process, with Israel refusing to begin negotiations on the second phase of the agreement until it receives the remaining bodies of Israeli captives. Hamas has repeatedly stated that retrieving these bodies requires substantial time due to the massive destruction throughout Gaza. Since the ceasefire's implementation, Hamas has transferred 20 living Israeli captives and the remains of 27 others, though Israel has disputed two of these transfers.

Rafah Standoff and International Involvement

A particularly urgent topic involved the situation of Qassam Brigades fighters trapped behind the yellow line in Rafah, where communication has been severed. This development follows Israeli military claims of killing and detaining 17 Hamas fighters attempting to escape through a tunnel east of Rafah. The second phase of the ceasefire is expected to include deployment of an international stabilization force in Gaza, as outlined in a recent US-drafted UN Security Council resolution, though current tensions threaten to derail this progression.