Hamas delegation in Cairo for talks on full Gaza ceasefire implementation

The Palestinian resistance group Hamas said Saturday that its delegation is in Cairo, holding meetings with mediators to develop pathways for the full implementation of the Gaza agreement. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem told Anadolu that the delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya, is discussing the ceasefire deal reached last October.

Ceasefire violations

At least 824 Palestinians have been killed and 2,316 injured in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire was signed, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The truce was meant to halt Israel's two-year war that has killed more than 72,000 Palestinians since October 2023. But despite the agreement, Israel continues attacks and maintains restrictions on the entry of food, medicine and shelter materials.

Mediators' proposals

"Hamas responded positively and attentively to the approaches proposed by the mediators to ensure the implementation of the various aspects of the agreement, given the Israeli intransigence and clear violations," Qassem said. He revealed that there are different proposals, and Hamas is engaging with efforts from Egyptian, Qatari and Turkish mediators.

Second phase negotiations

The meetings are addressing "ensuring the implementation of the first phase, particularly its humanitarian aspects, and entering into parallel negotiations regarding the second phase and its various tracks," Qassem said. The second phase includes broader Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, reconstruction, and the beginning of disarmament of factions.

Palestinian weapons

"Our position regarding Palestinian weapons has been clear, particularly because this issue has a broader political context related to the fundamental rights of our Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination and the establishment of a Palestinian state," Qassem said. He added that negotiations are ongoing regarding weapons.