Gaza ceasefire talks prioritize gradual weapons containment

Mediators from Egypt, Qatar and Turkey met in Cairo with leaders of Palestinian factions to revive the Sharm el‑Sheikh cease‑fire agreement. The new Egyptian proposal shifts the focus from immediate disarmament to a phased “containment” of weapons, overseen by a Palestinian‑led committee, international stabilisation forces and a verification body. The plan ties weapon containment to other commitments such as humanitarian aid, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the re‑integration of Palestinian security structures.

The mediators warned that without U.S. pressure on Israel, the threat of renewed Israeli attacks remains high. Israeli officials have continued air strikes, resulting in dozens of casualties despite the cease‑fire, and insist on full disarmament as a precondition. Palestinian groups stress the lack of guarantees for their fighters after handing over arms and fear retaliation. The negotiations aim to break the current stalemate and pave the way for the second phase of the cease‑fire, which includes reconstruction and longer‑term stability for the Gaza strip.