Egypt, Turkey and Qatar are pushing Hamas toward a breakthrough deal. At the center of the talks: weapons storage, an international force, and Gaza’s future.
Egypt is pressing Hamas to accept a new framework for Gaza that includes storing the group’s weapons, deploying an international stabilization force, and launching a technocratic administration, according to an Egyptian official familiar with the negotiations.
The official, speaking to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, said the latest round of talks in Cairo is focused on four key issues. They include the launch of a technocratic committee, a proposal to place Hamas’ weapons in storage, defining the role of the Board of Peace, and coordinating the deployment of an international force in Gaza.
The source acknowledged that disagreements remain. However, he said negotiations are moving forward and described Hamas as taking “positive steps.” He added that the Hamas delegation has full authority to negotiate on behalf of the movement while coordinating with other Palestinian armed factions.
The source also said there is growing international pressure to secure a breakthrough. Turkey’s intelligence chief, Ibrahim Kalin, is in Cairo to help accelerate the negotiations. Egypt, Turkey and Qatar are reportedly working together to reduce pressure on Hamas from other regional actors, including Iran.
“There is urgency to reach an agreement on the Gaza file,” the source said.
According to the Egyptian proposal, the first priority is activating a technocratic committee linked to the Palestinian Authority to oversee civilian administration in Gaza.
The second issue involves defining a framework for “weapons storage.” Negotiators are attempting to find a compromise between demands for Hamas to disarm and the group’s refusal to surrender its military capabilities.
The third issue concerns the future responsibilities of the Board of Peace, particularly its role in monitoring guarantees for a ceasefire agreement.
The fourth issue focuses on creating an international stabilization force. The Egyptian official said several countries have already sent delegations to discuss participation, while others are expected to announce their positions in the coming weeks.
The talks come as regional mediators race to secure a broader ceasefire and lay the groundwork for post-war governance in Gaza. They also follow reports that Iran could seek to link Gaza negotiations with its wider diplomatic discussions with the United States, adding another layer of complexity to an already fragile process.
