Hamas confirmed Tuesday that Egypt and Qatar are intensifying efforts to finalize a Gaza ceasefire agreement and resume stalled negotiations, offering a glimmer of hope amid mounting humanitarian concerns. The group's spokesman Abdul Latif Al-Qanou cited "positive signs" in discussions but emphasized unresolved disputes over implementation timelines.
A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo Monday to discuss mechanisms for advancing talks, following the collapse of a 42-day truce in early March. While the militant group seeks immediate progression to Phase Two negotiations—which aim to establish permanent ceasefire terms—Israel has pushed to extend the initial agreement framework.
"Israel refuses to commence the second phase, exposing its intentions of evasion and stalling," Hamas stated Monday, condemning Jerusalem's recent halt of electricity to Gaza's sole desalination plant as "cheap blackmail." Aid deliveries remain suspended as regional tensions escalate, with daily Israeli strikes continuing across the enclave.
The Israeli military defended Tuesday's airstrike in Gaza City—which local authorities say killed four men—as targeting "terrorists posing threats to troops." Meanwhile, over 2.3 million Palestinians face worsening water and food shortages amid the political deadlock.
