US Holds First Direct Talks with Hamas in Cairo as Gaza Ceasefire Talks Stall

The United States and Hamas met in Cairo for their first direct negotiations since the October 2025 ceasefire. Both sides aim to salvage a fragile, US-brokered peace plan. Senior US advisor Aryeh Lightstone joined Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya and the Board of Peace representative in talks on a second phase that would withdraw Israeli forces and deploy an international security mission. Progress has stalled over demands for Hamas disarmament before Israel fulfils its phase-one commitments. Hamas calls the proposal “unbalanced,” arguing it prioritises Israeli security over Palestinian humanitarian and political rights. It refuses to disarm until airstrikes and troop deployments end as promised. Mediators warn that rejection could trigger a return to full-scale war. Six months into the ceasefire, humanitarian groups report dire living conditions in Gaza, while regional tensions linked to the Iran war add to the urgency of a settlement.

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