Cairo (TDI): Representatives of Hamas have held talks in Cairo with envoys linked to US President Donald Trump’s newly formed Board of Peace, as efforts continue to preserve the fragile Gaza ceasefire amid rising tensions caused by the war involving Iran, Reuters reported citing sources.
The meeting, which took place over the weekend, is the first known contact between Hamas and the board since the conflict involving Iran escalated. The body, personally headed by Trump, has been tasked with overseeing post-war arrangements in Gaza.
Shortly after the discussions, Israel announced it would reopen the pedestrian crossing between Gaza and Egypt later this week. The crossing at Rafah Crossing had been closed since the start of the Iran bombing campaign. One source indicated that Israel’s decision may have been influenced by the talks held in Cairo.
Before the Iran war began, Trump’s proposed plan for Gaza had been a central component of his Middle East policy. However, the latest regional escalation has complicated efforts to move forward with the initiative.
Read More: Hamas Calls on Iran to Stop Striking Neighboring Countries
Sources said Hamas representatives warned the board’s envoys that the group could reconsider earlier commitments under the Gaza ceasefire agreement if Israel continues restrictions imposed after the outbreak of the Iran conflict, the report added.
Israel sealed Gaza’s borders after the war began on February 28, citing security concerns. While limited shipments of aid and goods were later allowed into the territory, the Rafah crossing, the only pedestrian route linking Gaza to Egypt, remained closed until the recent announcement that it could reopen following a security review.
Read More: Netanyahu Rules Out Gaza Rebuilding Before Hamas Demilitarization
Previous reporting has also indicated that negotiations concerning the potential disarmament of Hamas, expected to be a key phase of Trump’s broader Gaza plan, have been largely paused since the start of the Iran war.
