As part of a high-stakes attempt to preserve a precarious peace deal mediated by the United States, the United States and Hamas held their first direct talks in Cairo on Tuesday night since the ceasefire in October 2025.
Khalil al-Hayya, the chief negotiator for Hamas, met with a delegation headed by senior U.S. advisor Aryeh Lightstone. Nickolay Mladenov, the High Representative for Gaza from the Board of Peace, an international organization set up by the Trump administration to manage the Strip after the war, joined them.
The “second phase” of the peace plan, which entails the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the deployment of an international security mission, was the main topic of discussion. However, a fundamental dispute over timing and security has put a stop to progress.
According to reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted that Israel will only meet its phase-one demands—such as a complete cessation of strikes and a complete evacuation of populated areas—if Hamas agrees to complete disarmament.
Khalil al-Hayya argued that the proposal is “unbalanced,” claiming it marginalizes humanitarian and political rights in favor of Israeli security. Hamas refuses to disarm before Israel implements its initial commitments, including an end to ongoing airstrikes.
Furthermore, Hamas sources allege that Mladenov has pressured the group, warning that a refusal to accept the current disarmament paper could result in a return to full-scale war.
While the truce established in October 2025 ended the most intense two-year period of conflict, it has been widely criticized by humanitarian organizations as a ceasefire “in name only.” Since the truce took effect six months ago, at least 765 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
International agencies like MSF report that living conditions in Gaza remain dire, with overcrowding and lack of aid fueling outbreaks of disease. The talks are further complicated by the history of the negotiators; Khalil al-Hayya survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Doha as recently as last September.
These negotiations are unfolding against the backdrop of the broader 2026 Iran War. As shipping remains choked in the Strait of Hormuz and regional tensions escalate, the U.S. is under intense pressure to stabilize the Gaza front to prevent a total regional collapse.
The Board of Peace has reportedly given Hamas until the end of this week to accept the disarmament proposal, though mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey remain skeptical that a “yes” will be reached without significant amendments.