Hamas Delegation Heads to Egypt to Discuss Second Phase of Trump’s "Gaza Peace Initiative"

Meeting with Egyptian Intelligence Authorities in Cairo

The Palestinian militant group Hamas has dispatched a delegation to Egypt, the mediator, to discuss the implementation of the second phase of the "Gaza Strip Peace Initiative" led by U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to the Saudi Arabian media outlet Al Arabiya on the 23rd (local time), the delegation led by Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya met with officials from the Egyptian intelligence authorities in Cairo on this day.

A source stated, "The latest situation in the Gaza Strip and the 'second phase' are on the agenda," adding that "measures to prevent escalation of the conflict" would also be discussed.

On the 23rd (local time), residents in central Gaza Strip are inspecting the rubble of buildings destroyed by Israeli airstrikes. Photo by Reuters and Yonhap News Agency

This move by Hamas draws attention as it comes immediately after the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution supporting the Gaza Strip Peace Initiative on the 17th.

The core of the Security Council resolution is to establish an "International Stabilization Force (ISF)" to replace the Israeli military currently stationed in the Gaza Strip and to form a "Peace Committee" that will oversee the transitional administration of the Gaza Strip. President Trump is expected to personally chair this Peace Committee.

Meanwhile, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire last month, two years and one month after the outbreak of war, through mediation by four countries: the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye. However, localized military clashes continue as both sides accuse each other of violating the agreement.