Cairo talks show unusual headway on U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire plan

Negotiators in Cairo indicated that talks with Hamas are making rare progress toward enacting the U.S.-brokered Gaza peace proposal, which envisions a surge in aid, civilian governance, and the removal of Israeli forces. Hamas officials expressed a "positive and good" response, hinting at a willingness to confine heavy weapons under a Palestinian body while still demanding an end to Israeli attacks. The roadmap also calls for the phased transfer of authority to the U.S.-backed National Committee for the Administration of Gaza and the deployment of an international stabilization force.

Despite diplomatic movement, Israeli military operations continued, killing at least six Palestinians, including two children, and adding to a death toll that exceeds 1,200 since the ceasefire began. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled plans to expand Israeli control over much of the enclave, while the Board of Peace declined comment on the negotiations. The outcome remains uncertain, with key issues such as the handling of light weapons and Israel's acceptance of Hamas's proposals still pending.