Hamas holds talks on truce: Egyptian source

CAIRO/GAZA — A Hamas delegation held "crucial" talks in Cairo on Thursday with Egyptian officials on arrangements for implementing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, an informed Egyptian security source told Xinhua.

The delegation discussed preparations for the next phase of the Gaza peace plan, the source said on condition of anonymity.

Hamas reaffirmed its readiness to hand over the Gaza Strip to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, paving the way for the second phase of the plan, which includes a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, the source said.

The group also agreed to place its weapons under the committee's custody and expressed willingness to facilitate the work of the peacekeeping force and the national committee, the source added.

The mediators have received a proposal from the US-led "Board of Peace" to establish a pilot buffer zone in the southern Gaza city of Rafah to accommodate tens of thousands of residents after security screenings conducted by the committee, according to the source.

The source said all relevant parties are coordinating closely to implement the plan.

The talks came after Hamas announced on Monday the dissolution of the Government Emergency Committee in Gaza and the transfer of the administration of the Gaza Strip to the national committee.

Established in January 2026, the 15-member transitional technocratic committee comprises independent Palestinian figures tasked with overseeing civilian affairs, public services, and reconstruction during a transitional period.

A ceasefire between Hamas and Israel has been in effect since Oct 10, 2025. Its first phase included exchanges of hostages and detainees, the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of the territory.

The United States announced the launch of the second phase of its peace plan in mid-January, envisioning a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, the start of reconstruction efforts, and the establishment of a transitional authority in the enclave.

Meanwhile, Gaza's civil defense agency and health officials said Israeli attacks killed six people across the Palestinian territory on Thursday.

Two people were killed and several others injured when an Israeli drone struck central Gaza's Nuseirat camp, said the agency, which operates as a rescue service under Hamas. Four other people were killed in other attacks, it said.

Gaza's hospitals confirmed receiving the bodies of six individuals killed in the attacks.

A security source in Gaza said an Israeli drone strike targeted the vehicle of Hazem Qassem, a spokesman for Hamas. He was not in the vehicle but the strike killed his bodyguard, the source said.

The bodyguard was among the six fatalities reported by the civil defense agency.

The Israeli military did not immediately respond when asked about the attacks.

Also on Thursday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree setting legislative elections for Nov 28, which if they take place, would mark the first such vote in two decades. The last legislative elections were held in 2006.

XINHUA-AGENCIES