Israeli strikes continue in Gaza as Cairo talks tackle ceasefire's stalled second phase
Israeli strikes killed several Palestinians in Khan Younis's Mawasi area and Gaza City on Monday, a day after 13 were reported killed in scattered raids. Gaza's health ministry says Israeli operations have killed at least 961–985 Palestinians since the October 2025 ceasefire took effect under Trump's 20-point plan, bringing the war's total toll above 72,000. In Cairo, a Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya met mediators from Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, plus other Palestinian factions, to push full implementation of phase one and a transition to phase two—centered on disarmament and handing governance to a 15-member technocratic committee led by Ali Shaath. Hamas reiterated it will not disarm while Israeli forces remain in Gaza. Reports also cited Netanyahu signaling Israel seeks control of roughly 70% of the Strip via expanded buffer zones.
Why it matters
The October 2025 ceasefire halted full-scale war but has frozen into a fragile, contested arrangement: Israel continues strikes citing Hamas violations, while disarmament and post-war governance remain unresolved sticking points. Whether Hamas cedes administrative control to a technocratic committee under a US-led 'peace board' will determine if the deal advances or collapses back into open conflict.
🔎 Ground signal
The detention of Kamal Adwan hospital director Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya—held without charge for over 18 months and reportedly moved to solitary confinement after appealing—remains a potent symbol for Palestinians and rights groups of medical-staff treatment under occupation.