The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) announced that a delegation from the movement met in Cairo with the head of the Egyptian General Intelligence Service, Hassan Rashad, to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the phased exchange of prisoners. In a statement on Sunday, Hamas confirmed that the delegation agreed to form a community support committee consisting of independent national figures to oversee the administration of the Gaza Strip until broader Palestinian reconciliation is achieved and general elections are held at all national, presidential, and legislative levels. The movement also expressed its appreciation for the outcomes of the recent Arab Summit, particularly the commitment to rebuilding the Gaza Strip and reaffirming the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. In a related development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the dispatch of a delegation to Doha to advance prisoner exchange negotiations. The statement noted that this move was made in response to invitations from mediators Egypt and Qatar and under the auspices of the United States. According to the Hebrew news outlet Ynet, Netanyahu made this decision following a "situation assessment session" held via phone. The report also highlighted growing concerns within the Israeli government over direct US talks with Hamas, which are reportedly being conducted outside of Israel's involvement. Meanwhile, the American news website Axios quoted U.S. officials as saying that President Donald Trump's envoy to the region, Steve Witkoff, is expected to arrive in Doha on Tuesday evening in an effort to mediate a new agreement between Israel and Hamas. It remains unclear whether Witkoff will meet directly with Hamas leaders or limit his discussions to Israeli negotiators, as well as Qatari and Egyptian mediators. A senior Israeli official told Axios that Witkoff aims to bring all parties together in one location for several days of intensive negotiations to reach a comprehensive agreement. Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi denied reports suggesting that the movement is open to a temporary truce in the Gaza Strip. He clarified that such claims are inaccurate and reaffirmed Hamas's commitment to the previously agreed-upon terms. Mardawi emphasized that the negotiations must move forward to the second phase as outlined in the original agreement. "This news is incorrect and has no connection to reality," Mardawi stated, stressing that Hamas remains firm in its adherence to the established framework for ceasefire and prisoner exchange negotiations. At the same time, Israel has prepared a plan for a "series of escalating measures" designed to increase pressure on Hamas, potentially leading to renewed conflict in Gaza, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal on Saturday. These measures have already begun, with Israel restricting the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip over the past week. Israeli officials justified this move by citing Hamas's rejection of a ceasefire proposal from US envoy Steve Witkoff. The rejected proposal included an extended ceasefire with prisoner exchanges on the first and last days of the agreed period, but it did not formally declare an end to the war.
