Hamas chief heads to Cairo for Gaza ceasefire talks

The Palestinian resistance group Hamas political bureau chief Khalil al-Hayya has headed to Cairo at the head of a senior leadership delegation, on his first visit to Egypt since assuming the leadership of the movement, to discuss efforts to consolidate the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

A Hamas source told Anadolu agency that "a high-level leadership delegation headed by the movement's leader, Khalil al-Hayya, will arrive tonight in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, to hold talks with Egyptian officials."

The source added that the delegation will meet Egyptian General Intelligence Service chief Hassan Rashad to discuss a number of issues and developments related to the Palestinian issue, foremost among them talks aimed at consolidating the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

According to the source, the delegation also includes Hamas Shura Council chief Mohammed Darwish, head of the movement abroad Khaled Meshaal, Hamas chief in the occupied West Bank Zaher Jabarin, and head of the Arab and Islamic Relations Office Basem Naim.

Phase two

The visit comes amid escalating disputes over executing phase two of the ceasefire agreement.

Israeli authorities announced their rejection of the 15-point plan approved by the "Peace Council", conditioning any military withdrawal from Gaza on the "genuine" disarmament of Hamas.

In contrast, Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the agreed roadmap, while Egypt stressed the necessity of implementing all provisions, led by an Israeli withdrawal and humanitarian aid access.

Hamas maintains that priorities include securing a complete ceasefire, completing the Israeli pullout, opening border crossings, delivering aid and shelter supplies, beginning reconstruction, and enabling the national committee to administer the enclave.

Despite the agreement, Israel continues daily violations of the ceasefire in effect since October 2025, resulting in 1,258 Palestinians killed and 4,139 wounded.