Mohamed Mahmoud

Israeli objections, particularly over troop withdrawal arrangements and Hamas’s disarmament, have delayed a planned four-way meeting in Cairo involving Egypt, Qatar, the United States and Türkiye on implementing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. No new date has been set, although a Hamas delegation remains in Egypt and mediation efforts continue. Palestinian and Egyptian sources are awaiting a clearer position and possible pressure from Washington, while Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will not withdraw from its current Gaza positions until Hamas is fully disarmed.

New understandings reached by Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, Hamas and other Palestinian factions outline implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, including an Israeli withdrawal, weapons collection and the entry of a Gaza administrative committee. Palestinian sources expect pressure from Washington and the mediators to overcome objections, but Israel is likely to demand genuine Hamas disarmament before withdrawing, while Palestinian Islamic Jihad has objected to parts of the wording. Hamas conditions disarmament on an end to Israeli attacks, full withdrawal, humanitarian and reconstruction measures, international protection and guarantees of Palestinian political rights. A follow-up meeting in Cairo is expected to reinforce commitments, but analysts warn that Israeli resistance and disputes over implementation could again stall the agreement.