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Wednesday, 22 July 2026
A senior Hamas delegation met with Egypt’s intelligence chief in Cairo on Sunday to address Israel's alleged repeated violations of the ceasefire, as funerals were held in Gaza for dozens killed in recent Israeli attacks.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to the first phase of the ceasefire but warned that Israel's "continued violations" threaten to undermine the deal.
The delegation, which included exiled Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya, called for a clear mechanism under the supervision of mediators (Egypt, Qatar, and the United States) to document and prevent further breaches.
Hamas also discussed urgent measures to reach its fighters reportedly trapped in tunnels in Rafah within Israeli-controlled areas, noting that communication with them has been cut off. The meeting followed Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Saturday that destroyed homes and shelters, killing at least 24 Palestinians, including children.
Israel stated the attacks targeted Hamas operatives after the group allegedly sent a fighter into Israeli-controlled Gaza.
Hamas denied this claim, accusing Israel of using it as a pretext for killings, and urged mediators to pressure Israel to immediately halt the violations.
According to Gaza authorities, Israel has violated the ceasefire at least 497 times since October 10, resulting in the deaths of some 342 civilians, primarily women, children, and the elderly.
Under phase one, Hamas has released remaining captives, and Israel has freed nearly 2,000 Palestinians, though border restrictions continue to impede aid.
Residents in Gaza are concerned about further destruction and remain skeptical about advancing to Phase Two, which is part of the UN Security Council-endorsed Trump-led peace plan.
This phase envisions humanitarian aid, reconstruction, governance reforms under a technocratic Palestinian committee, international monitoring, and a temporary stabilization force.Hamas has stated it will not disarm while the Israeli occupation persists.
