US and Hamas Hold First Direct Talks Since Gaza Truce as Ceasefire Stalls
The United States and Hamas conducted their first direct negotiations since the October 2024 Gaza ceasefire, aiming to revive the fragile US-brokered agreement. Senior US advisor Aryeh Lightstone met with Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya in Cairo, joined by Nickolay Mladenov of the US-backed Board of Peace. Hamas insisted that Israel must fully implement phase one commitments, including ending strikes and allowing humanitarian aid, before proceeding to phase two, which involves Hamas disarmament and the deployment of an international force. However, talks have stalled due to conflicting demands; Israel requires disarmament prior to further concessions, while Hamas views this as an unbalanced priority that marginalizes Palestinian rights. Despite the truce, violence persists, with over 765 deaths reported in Gaza since October. Hamas sources accused mediators of conveying veiled threats of renewed war if disarmament demands are not met. This meeting follows Lightstone's recent discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting the deep diplomatic impasse regarding security arrangements and the future governance of the devastated territory.
Wire timeline
US and Hamas Hold First Direct Talks Since Gaza Truce as Ceasefire Stalls
The United States and Hamas conducted their first direct negotiations since the October 2024 Gaza ceasefire, aiming to revive the fragile US-brokered agreement. Senior US advisor Aryeh Lightstone met with Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya in Cairo, joined by Nickolay Mladenov of the US-backed Board of Peace. Hamas insisted that Israel must fully implement phase one commitments, including ending strikes and allowing humanitarian aid, before proceeding to phase two, which involves Hamas disarmament and the deployment of an international force. However, talks have stalled due to conflicting demands; Israel requires disarmament prior to further concessions, while Hamas views this as an unbalanced priority that marginalizes Palestinian rights. Despite the truce, violence persists, with over 765 deaths reported in Gaza since October. Hamas sources accused mediators of conveying veiled threats of renewed war if disarmament demands are not met. This meeting follows Lightstone's recent discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting the deep diplomatic impasse regarding security arrangements and the future governance of the devastated territory.
cnn