Egypt urged Hamas on Sunday to accept a post-war security framework for Gaza, as senior officials from the group met in Cairo to discuss stabilizing a shaky ceasefire.
During talks led by Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya, Egyptian negotiators called for the group to relinquish control of Gaza’s security and political apparatus, and to agree on a mechanism for disarmament, according to sources briefed on the meeting.
The Egyptian proposal includes deploying 1,000 Palestinian Authority police officers in Gaza, with the force potentially expanding under Israeli approval. An international security contingent, overseen by Egypt, would also be involved.
Cairo views the security handover as critical to advancing the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, which is being negotiated directly with Hamas, without Israeli participation.
The meeting came as fighting flared in Rafah, where two Israeli soldiers were killed in an attack involving anti-tank fire. Hamas denied involvement. Israel responded with airstrikes, killing at least 44 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials.
Israel later said it resumed implementation of the ceasefire, which was brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye with U.S. backing. The agreement, in effect since Oct. 10, calls for a halt to hostilities, prisoner exchanges, Israeli troop withdrawals, and humanitarian aid deliveries.
Both sides have accused each other of violating the truce.