A senior Hamas delegation met Egypt’s intelligence chief in Cairo on Sunday to address Israel’s repeated breaches of the ceasefire, the group said, as Palestinians in Gaza held funerals for dozens killed in recent Israeli attacks.
Hamas said in a statement that while it reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the first phase of the ceasefire, Israel’s “continued violations” threaten to undermine the deal. The delegation, including exiled Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya, called for a clear mechanism under mediator supervision to document and prevent further breaches.
Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have been mediating between Hamas and Israel since the ceasefire came into effect last month. Hamas also discussed urgent measures to reach fighters trapped in Rafah tunnels in Israeli-controlled areas, noting that communication with them has been cut off.
The meeting followed Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Saturday that destroyed homes, makeshift shelters, and a vehicle, killing at least 24 Palestinians, including children. Israel said the attacks targeted Hamas operatives after the group sent a fighter into Israeli-controlled Gaza. Hamas denied the claim, accusing Israel of using it as a pretext for killings, and urged mediators to pressure Israel to halt the violations immediately.
According to Gaza authorities, Israel has violated the ceasefire at least 497 times since October 10, killing some 342 civilians, most of them women, children, and the elderly.
Palestinians in Gaza fear the attacks could escalate. Al Jazeera correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum reported from Gaza City that residents are concerned about further destruction and remain skeptical about advancing to the second phase of the ceasefire, which involves humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and governance reforms under the Trump-led peace plan.
Under phase one, Hamas has released remaining captives, and Israel has freed nearly 2,000 Palestinians, though border restrictions continue to impede aid. Phase two envisions Gaza governance under a technocratic Palestinian committee, international monitoring, and a temporary stabilization force. Hamas has said it will not disarm while the Israeli occupation persists.
The Trump plan, endorsed by the UN Security Council, also guarantees that no Palestinians would be forced to leave Gaza and that Israel will not annex the territory.
Source: ALJAZEERA