Hamas leaders convened with Egyptian security officials on Sunday in Cairo as part of renewed efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, according to two Hamas sources. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared for security discussions with his cabinet, two Israeli officials reported.
This marks Hamas’ first visit to Cairo since the United States announced its collaboration with Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey to revive negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire that could include a hostage deal. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed optimism on Sunday, stating on CNN, “I think we may have a chance to make progress.” However, he refrained from predicting a timeline, citing multiple failed negotiations in the past.
Hamas has consistently tied any ceasefire agreement to an end of Israel’s military campaign, while Israel maintains that operations will continue until Hamas no longer governs Gaza or poses a threat to Israeli citizens. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar indicated progress toward a potential hostage deal but reaffirmed Israel’s conditions for ending the conflict. “We will know in the coming days,” Saar stated during a conference hosted by Israel Hayom.
Conflict and Aid Crisis Deepen
As fighting escalated, UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, announced a suspension of aid deliveries through the Kerem Shalom crossing after armed groups in Gaza looted food from a convoy. “This difficult decision comes at a time hunger is rapidly deepening,” UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini said in a statement.
The agency criticized Israel, accusing it of failing to protect aid workers and supplies as the occupying power, while also blaming Israeli-imposed restrictions for making relief efforts “unnecessarily impossible.” Israel’s COGAT, the military body overseeing aid transfers, denied obstructing humanitarian operations, attributing delays to inefficiencies within the U.N.
Ongoing Violence in Gaza
Since Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages, Gaza has been engulfed in conflict. More than 44,400 Palestinians have died, and nearly all of Gaza’s population has been displaced, according to Gaza health officials.
Israeli airstrikes on Sunday killed at least 20 people, including children, as bombardments and ground operations intensified across the enclave. Medics reported fatalities in Nuseirat, Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Rafah. Northern Gaza residents accused Israeli forces of clearing neighborhoods to establish a buffer zone through forced evacuations and bombings, a claim Israel denies.
The Israeli military reported killing hundreds of Hamas militants in northern Gaza, with 30 Israeli soldiers killed during two months of combat. Hamas has not disclosed its casualty figures.
Hostages and Detentions
Two Palestinian detainees from Gaza died in Israeli custody, according to advocacy groups. Israeli authorities did not comment on the reports. Negotiations for a hostage exchange remain a focal point of ceasefire discussions.
As Egypt mediates the latest talks, the region waits to see whether diplomacy can halt the escalating humanitarian and security crisis.
