A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo to discuss the latest Israeli escalation in Gaza and steps to implement the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. The visit comes amid growing concerns over repeated truce violations, with reports of new deaths and injuries. International leaders expressed alarm over the fragile situation.
The Hamas delegation, led by senior official Khalil Al-Hayya, arrived in Cairo on Saturday evening to address the recent Israeli escalation in Gaza and advance the second phase of the ceasefire signed in Sharm El-Sheikh on October 10. Gaza's Ministry of Health reported that the death toll from Israel's offensive since October 2023 stands at 69,756, with 170,946 wounded. Over the past 24 hours, 23 Palestinians were killed—including 21 in fresh strikes and two recovered from rubble—while 83 were injured.
Since October 11, ceasefire breaches have resulted in 339 Palestinian deaths and 871 injuries. Palestinian media described heavy Israeli bombardment east of Khan Younis, extensive demolitions in eastern Gaza City, and a naval strike off Rafah that killed a child and wounded others. The Gaza government media office held Israel fully responsible for the worsening humanitarian crisis, accusing it of blocking heavy machinery needed to retrieve bodies from ruins.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded that Hamas has not ceased violating the truce, justifying military actions including strikes in Lebanon against Hezbollah. The Israeli army announced the killing of Ala Al-Haddadi, a senior Hamas logistics official in its weapons-production unit, in a joint operation with Shin Bet. Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi summoned senior officers involved in the October 7 attack for potential disciplinary measures.
Internationally, French President Emmanuel Macron warned of the extremely difficult situation in Gaza, urging all parties to honor the ceasefire. Canada affirmed support for a comprehensive peace plan, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stressed the need for a free Palestinian state within 1967 borders, with Ankara considering contributions to a Gaza stabilization force despite Israel's opposition. Diplomatic efforts to sustain the truce appear increasingly fragile amid ongoing clashes east of Bureij refugee camp and southeast of Khan Younis.