Overview
- Hamas, a Gaza 'Peace Council' representative, and international mediators met in Cairo to try to move the ceasefire forward, according to accounts cited by Asharq Al-Awsat.
- Hamas says it will not enter second-phase talks until all first-stage steps are carried out, including an Israeli pullback to set lines, and it will not discuss disarmament before that.
- The group seeks firm guarantees and mediator intervention to settle disputes, and reports warn the stalemate could trigger an Israeli push to dismantle its weapons.
- Israeli officials argue that removing Hamas’ weapons would help prevent further ceasefire breaches and allow large-scale rebuilding in Gaza to start.
- Violence continues despite the truce, with Gaza’s civil defense reporting seven people killed in strikes and the Israeli army saying it targeted an armed cell.