A delegation from Hamas recently met with Egypt’s intelligence chief, Hassan Rashad, in Cairo to address allegations of Israel’s violations of a ceasefire agreement. The meeting coincided with ongoing funerals in Gaza for those killed in recent Israeli airstrikes. In a statement, Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the first phase of the ceasefire, yet asserted that Israel’s actions were undermining the agreement.
The Hamas delegation, which included exiled Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya, emphasized the need for a defined mechanism to monitor and halt any breaches of the ceasefire. Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are currently mediating between Hamas and Israel, having secured the ceasefire that took effect last month.
During the discussions, Hamas raised concerns about its fighters trapped in tunnel networks in Rafah, noting that communication with them had been severed. This meeting followed a wave of Israeli airstrikes that reportedly killed at least 24 Palestinians, including children. The Israeli military claimed these strikes targeted Hamas members following an attack by the group into Israeli-controlled territory, which Hamas disputed, calling into question Israel’s motives.
According to the Gaza Government Media Office, Israel has reportedly violated the ceasefire agreement nearly 500 times since its inception on October 10. Civilian casualties have been significant, with reports indicating that at least 342 civilians, including women and children, have lost their lives.
Palestinians in Gaza express concerns about the potential expansion of Israeli attacks and remain skeptical regarding the future of the ceasefire, particularly regarding humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts. The first phase of the ceasefire includes prisoner exchanges and humanitarian aid deliveries, with the Rafah crossing to Egypt designated for opening. However, Israel has reportedly placed restrictions that hinder aid distribution.
The second phase of the ceasefire proposes governance of Gaza by a technocratic Palestinian committee with international oversight. Hamas has indicated it will not disarm as long as Israeli occupation continues, while the U.S.-backed peace plan stipulates that no Palestinians will be forced from Gaza and that Israel will not annex the territory. This plan has received endorsement from the United Nations Security Council.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11/24/hamas-meet-egypts-spy-chief-says-israels-attacks-on-gaza-threaten-truce?traffic_source=rss