Hamas delegation, Egypt spy chief hold talks on Gaza plan: official

CAIRO: A meeting commenced on Sunday between representatives from Hamas and Egypt’s intelligence chief, Hassan Rashad, to explore progress in implementing a post-war plan for Gaza, revealed an official from the Palestinian group to AFP. In late July, Hamas had expressed readiness to surrender its weapons to a newly formed technical committee, which was intended to govern Gaza under a 15-point plan unveiled by the US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace.

Nonetheless, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has flatly rejected the proposal, asserting that Israeli forces would not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed. Led by Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya, the delegation made its way to Egypt on Saturday night, preceding a visit by US envoy Jared Kushner to the region. The delegation's initial stop was in El-Alamein, Egypt, where they engaged with Rashad.

He disclosed that the discussions would encompass "the most recent developments in negotiations and endeavors to force Israel to adhere to the agreement, which encompasses the 15-point roadmap, and commence its implementation." The delegation would inform Egyptian officials about "Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement," and al-Hayya would highlight the movement's "commitment and preparedness to execute the agreement as soon as Israel signals its adherence to it."

According to another Hamas source, plans were being made for a meeting between the Hamas negotiating team, Board of Peace’s high representative for Gaza Nickolay Mladenov, and US officials during Kushner's stay in Egypt this week. The aim is to discuss impediments to the agreement. Efforts are also being made to liaise with Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish mediators "in order to compel Israel to adhere to the agreement."

According to reports, Kushner is set to travel to Israel and Egypt this week in an attempt to reconcile the disputes surrounding the Gaza plan, which have been rejected by Netanyahu.