Hamas talks in Cairo stall over Gaza disarmament and Israeli withdrawal

Hamas announced progress in talks with Palestinian factions and Egyptian mediators in Cairo, emphasizing plans to intensify humanitarian aid, reconstruction and a full Israeli pull‑out from Gaza. The delegation, led by Jalil al‑Hayya, said all sides showed “high positivity and responsibility” toward a mutually acceptable cease‑fire agreement.

However, the negotiations have hit a deadlock over the key issue of Hamas handing over its weapons. Palestinian factions demand that any disarmament be linked to a complete Israeli withdrawal, while Israel insists on full militarisation of Gaza before any pull‑out. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar and Turkey are trying to sequence the steps, but the impasse persists amid ongoing Israeli bombardments and rising Israeli control of the enclave, now estimated at 60‑70%.

The talks reference the 20‑point Trump peace plan endorsed by the UN Security Council, which envisions phased prisoner exchanges, humanitarian corridors and a transitional governing body for Gaza. The failure to resolve the weapons question threatens to cement a permanent division within the strip and prolong the humanitarian crisis.