A high-level diplomatic effort to salvage the fragile Gaza ceasefire entered a critical stage Tuesday, as delegations from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey met in Cairo to negotiate the second phase of the agreement between Israel and Hamas — a deal that has halted two years of brutal warfare but remains dangerously unstable.
According to Egyptian state media, intelligence chiefs from Egypt and Turkey, along with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, held intensive discussions focused on implementing the next steps of the ceasefire, in coordination with the United States.
Ceasefire Holds — But Barely
The ceasefire, signed on October 9, paused the conflict and triggered a dramatic prisoner exchange:
- Hamas released all 20 surviving hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attacks
- Israel freed nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners
- Both sides returned bodies of militants and hostages
Israel also agreed to:
- withdraw troops from populated areas of Gaza
- open the Rafah crossing for medical evacuations
- increase humanitarian aid deliveries
But the truce did not resolve core disputes. Instead, it froze the conflict, leaving key issues for later negotiation — and that moment has now arrived.
Mistrust Threatens Progress
Since the ceasefire took effect, both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the agreement, refusing to move forward on additional obligations required under President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace framework.
Israeli officials insist Hamas has failed to fully withdraw fighters from frontline zones and continues covert operations inside Gaza. Hamas claims Israel has not fulfilled commitments on aid access and prisoner releases.
U.S. Pressure Behind the Scenes
The Cairo meeting reportedly included discussions on American involvement, with mediators seeking to align efforts with Washington’s push for a broader regional settlement.
Egyptian-linked media described coordination with the U.S. as essential to ensuring “successful implementation of phase two.”
Analysts warn that without firm guarantees from both sides, the ceasefire could collapse, potentially triggering a rapid return to full-scale combat.
What Comes Next?
Phase two is expected to address explosive unresolved issues, including:
- long-term security arrangements
- governance of Gaza
- remaining detainees
- border control and reconstruction
Diplomats privately acknowledge that progress will require political concessions neither side has yet shown willingness to make.
For now, the ceasefire remains intact — but under growing strain.