Second phase of US plan begins; Hamas and other Palestinian factions meet in Cairo over Gaza issue

International Desk: PNN

Amid ongoing conflict and multiple concerns with Israel, senior Hamas leaders and representatives of other Palestinian factions have met in Cairo, the Egyptian capital, to implement the second phase of a US-led peace agreement for Gaza. The main objectives of the meeting are to restore peace in the Gaza Strip, reduce the arms stockpiles of armed Palestinian groups including Hamas, oversee reconstruction, and manage day-to-day administrative affairs.

Hamas Political Bureau adviser Taher al-Nunu told Al Jazeera that the key topics of discussion include reopening the Rafah border crossing, ensuring the entry of humanitarian aid already stockpiled on the Egyptian side, and guaranteeing the withdrawal of Israeli forces. He added, “Hamas’s role is to work with mediators and the international community to restore peace in Gaza.”

However, a report by Israel’s public broadcaster Kan said the so-called Yellow Line or buffer zone in eastern Gaza is being treated as a strategic area that will remain under Israeli control. Currently, Israel controls more than 50 percent of Gaza with troops.

The United States announced on Wednesday that the second phase of its plan to end the Gaza war has begun. US special envoy Steve Witkoff said, “The second phase will involve forming a technocratic Palestinian administration to initiate comprehensive and just reconstruction of Gaza and the process of disarming armed individuals.”

In practice, the first phase of the peace agreement has faced numerous challenges. Israeli airstrikes, delays in reopening the Rafah crossing, and the failure to return the body of the last Israeli captive have created uncertainty.

The situation in Gaza remains dire. Al Jazeera correspondent Hind Khoudary reported, “Drones are frequently heard, several explosions occurred at dawn, people are losing shelters every day, and most Gazans remain completely dependent on humanitarian aid.”

The United States has demanded that Hamas return the body of the last deceased Israeli captive. Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated that negotiations on the second phase will not proceed without this step.

Analyst Marwan Bishara commented, “Despite the existence of a peace agreement, Israel is insisting on receiving the last captive’s body. This is a biased process, as the United States consistently sides with Israel.”

The implementation of the second phase of the peace agreement still faces many challenges and uncertainties, particularly regarding disarmament, deployment of international peacekeepers, and the reconstruction and financing of Gaza.