A Hamas delegation led by the group’s leader Khalil al-Hayya arrived in Cairo on Sunday for talks with Egyptian officials focused on efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, Hamas said.

The visit comes as mediators intensify efforts to advance a roadmap linked to US President Donald Trump’s proposed Gaza peace plan, which includes the disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the transfer of administrative authority to Palestinian technocrats.

The negotiations come amid deep disagreements over the terms of any potential ceasefire and the future of Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected Trump’s latest proposal to revive stalled ceasefire efforts, insisting that Israel will not withdraw from areas under its control until Hamas has been fully disarmed.

Israel currently controls roughly 60% of the Gaza Strip, while Hamas maintains control over much of the remaining territory. Hamas has long rejected demands for its complete disarmament.

The latest diplomatic efforts are being closely watched as mediators seek a formula that could bridge the gap between the two sides and establish a framework for ending the conflict in Gaza.

It remains unclear whether al-Hayya will meet with senior figures involved in Trump’s peace initiative during his visit to Cairo. Trump’s son-in-law and negotiator Jared Kushner, Board of Peace high representative Nickolay Mladenov and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who serves as an executive board member, are expected to travel to Israel and Egypt this week.

Their expected regional engagements could add momentum to diplomatic efforts aimed at reviving negotiations and implementing the proposed roadmap for Gaza. (ILKHA)