Hamas leaders meet Egyptian intelligence chief

A Hamas delegation, led by the head of the movement’s leadership council, Mohammed Darwish, met with Egyptian General Intelligence Chief, Major General Hassan Rashad, in Cairo on Sunday to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Hamas and "Israel."

According to a statement issued by Hamas, the discussions covered the various phases of the agreement's implementation. The delegation emphasized the necessity of adhering to all its terms and called for an immediate transition to the second phase of negotiations, which includes opening border crossings and allowing unrestricted humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The delegation also reaffirmed Hamas' approval of forming a societal support committee composed of independent national figures to administer Gaza temporarily until Palestinian reconciliation is achieved and general elections are held at all levels.

Hamas expressed gratitude to Egypt for its ongoing mediation efforts, particularly in countering displacement attempts, and acknowledged the outcomes of the Arab summit that addressed Gaza’s reconstruction plan. The movement reiterated its commitment to the Palestinian people's fundamental rights.

Meanwhile, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi denied reports claiming that the movement had agreed to a temporary truce in Gaza. In a press statement, he stressed Hamas' commitment to the existing agreement and the need to proceed with the second phase of negotiations under the agreed-upon conditions, dismissing circulating reports as false and unreflective of the actual negotiation process.

In a related development, "Israeli" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced plans to send an "Israeli" delegation to Doha to advance negotiations with Hamas regarding the prisoner exchange.

This move comes amid speculation that Netanyahu's government is seeking to avoid implementing the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, which includes halting the war in Gaza and withdrawing Israeli Occupation Forces to pre-escalation borders.

The ceasefire agreement, which came into effect on January 19, 2025, stipulates a cessation of hostilities between the two sides. Hamas insists that "Israel" must fully comply with all terms, including a complete withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the war.