A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Thursday for high-stakes discussions with Egyptian mediators about Gaza's post-war security framework and the implementation of a fragile ceasefire with Israel, according to sources cited by China's Xinhua News Agency.
Security Transition Plan Unveiled
Central to the talks is a proposal to deploy approximately 1,000 Palestinian security personnel – trained in Egypt and Jordan – to maintain order in Gaza under Palestinian Authority (PA) supervision. The plan aims to restore stability while gradually establishing PA governance, signaling a potential shift in Hamas's role.
Ceasefire Dynamics and Cross-Border Access
Negotiations also address Hamas's possible withdrawal from security operations and weapons management under a U.S.-backed peace initiative. In a significant development, Israel has agreed to reopen the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing starting Sunday, with EU monitoring and PA oversight, facilitating movement for medical cases and travelers.
Human Cost and Regional Diplomacy
The talks unfold against a grim backdrop: Gaza health authorities report nearly 68,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023, with 23 fatalities occurring post-ceasefire. Meanwhile, Cairo prepares to host broader Palestinian faction meetings to discuss forming a unified administrative body for Gaza, with separate talks planned with Palestinian Islamic Jihad representatives.
The current ceasefire, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and the United States, follows two years of conflict. While temporary calm holds, the Cairo negotiations represent a critical test for sustainable peace in the region.
