Key facts
- Talks in Cairo between mediators and Hamas leaders on a Gaza peace plan have reportedly made rare progress.
- Hamas has agreed to several contentious points, including weapon handover, but requested modifications.
- An Israeli official stated that the proposed terms were not satisfactory, citing Israel's demand for Hamas's complete disarmament.
- The U.S.-brokered plan includes humanitarian aid, civilian governance, Hamas disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, and an international security force.
- Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Thursday killed at least six Palestinians, including two children.
Mediators and Hamas leaders have reported rare progress in ceasefire talks held in Cairo concerning a U.S.-brokered peace plan for Gaza. Sources close to the negotiations described the discussions as positive, indicating movement on several contentious points, including the handover of weapons, though Hamas has requested modifications to the proposals.
The plan, presented by President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, aims for a surge in humanitarian aid, governance by a civilian Palestinian administration, the disarmament of Hamas, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the deployment of an international force for security.
However, an Israeli official stated that the proposed terms were not satisfactory, emphasizing Israel's precondition for any process: the complete disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of the Strip. The official conveyed Israel's objections to the current proposal.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Thursday resulted in the deaths of at least six Palestinians, including two children, according to medics. The reality on the ground in Gaza remains far from the roadmap discussed, with the Israeli military continuing to expand its occupation of the enclave.