A senior Hamas delegation led by chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya arrived in Cairo on Tuesday for high-stakes talks with Egyptian officials aimed at securing a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza and resolving the hostage crisis. The negotiations, mediated by Egypt with support from Qatar and the United States, seek to revive a proposed 60-day truce plan that has stalled amid renewed tensions.
The new Egyptian proposal calls for the release of all hostages held by Hamas, an end to the war, Gaza’s demilitarization, and the symbolic exile of certain Hamas members. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty said, “We are working in full cooperation with the Qataris and Americans, and the main goal is to return to the original proposal — a 60-day ceasefire that would include the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, alongside the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza without conditions.”
The effort follows the collapse of last month’s Doha talks, where Israel and Hamas traded accusations over the failure to reach an agreement. Hamas has reportedly agreed to involve the Palestinian Authority in Gaza’s administration, acknowledging it cannot govern the territory long-term. Some members are said to be considering exile.
The talks take place as Israel advances a phased reoccupation strategy approved by its Security Cabinet, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to retake Gaza City. He has rejected partial deals, insisting on the release of all hostages, alive or dead. Israel believes Hamas holds 50 hostages, about 20 of them alive, taken during the October 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war.
Conditions in Gaza remain dire, with the Health Ministry reporting 227 deaths from famine and malnutrition, including 103 children. The Egyptian Red Crescent has sent 3,450 tons of food and medical aid, but the United Nations warns that starvation levels are unprecedented. Hamas has dismissed U.S. and Israeli threats to resume fighting if hostages are not freed, with spokesman Hazem Qassem stating, “We will not accept the language of threats. Israel must commit to the ceasefire terms.” The outcome of the Cairo talks could determine whether the 22-month conflict, which has killed over 61,400 Palestinians and displaced most of Gaza’s population, moves toward resolution or deeper escalation.