Cairo: Hamas representatives engaged in discussions with Egyptian security officials on Sunday in a renewed effort to negotiate a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, according to Hamas sources. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to meet with his security cabinet to address the issue, Israeli officials reported.
This marked the first visit by Hamas to Cairo since the U.S. announced plans to collaborate with Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey to revive ceasefire negotiations, which would include a potential agreement to release hostages.
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed cautious optimism about the prospects for a deal, stating that Hamas appeared increasingly isolated. “Hezbollah is no longer actively engaging with them, and their supporters in Iran are focused on other conflicts,” Sullivan said during an interview on Sunday. He noted progress was possible but tempered expectations, citing past near-agreements that failed to materialize.
Amid ongoing negotiations, hostilities persisted in Gaza. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) suspended aid deliveries through one crossing after armed groups inside Gaza seized supplies from a convoy. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini described the decision as necessary, highlighting the worsening hunger crisis in the region.
Israeli airstrikes continued to claim lives, with at least 20 Palestinians killed on Sunday, according to medical sources. Strikes targeted homes in Gaza City, Nuseirat, Khan Younis, and Rafah, leaving devastation and fatalities, including children.
In northern Gaza, Israeli forces intensified operations in areas such as Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun. Palestinians alleged these actions aimed to forcibly evacuate residents and establish a buffer zone, a claim the Israeli military denied. Israel maintained that its actions were focused on dismantling Hamas’s capabilities, reporting significant militant casualties but also noting the loss of around 30 soldiers in recent combat.
Humanitarian aid efforts faced increasing challenges. UNRWA’s Lazzarini called on Israel to fulfill its responsibilities as an occupying power, citing severe restrictions and security concerns that have impeded relief operations. Israel’s Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) countered these claims, attributing delays to U.N. inefficiencies.
The conflict, which began with Hamas-led attacks on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 44,400 fatalities in Gaza and the displacement of nearly all its residents, according to local officials. Israeli authorities have reported approximately 1,200 fatalities and more than 250 hostages taken during the initial attack.
Hamas has pushed for a ceasefire, while Israel remains committed to eradicating the group before ending military operations. Two Palestinian detainees from Gaza reportedly died in Israeli custody on Sunday, with no immediate comment from Israeli officials.