The US and Hamas held their first direct talks since the October Gaza ceasefire,
with senior US advisor Aryeh Lightstone meeting Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya
in Cairo, according to Hamas sources. The discussions aim to advance the next
phase of the US-brokered truce but remain stalled over disarmament demands. A US
source said Israel would implement initial commitments if Hamas agrees to
disarm. A senior Hamas source said the proposal “reduces the whole process to a
single clause – disarmament,” adding it reflects “a major imbalance”
prioritizing Israel’s security over Palestinian rights.
