Egypt intensifies contacts to implement Gaza ceasefire phase two

Egypt has intensified diplomatic contacts with conflict parties to advance implementation of the Cairo understandings regarding the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, Egyptian sources said Saturday, as mediators prepare to convene in the capital to reaffirm commitments.

Cairo Mediation and Hamas Engagement

Egypt’s Al Qahera News channel quoted sources as saying Cairo is holding “intensive contacts” regarding implementation of understandings reached by mediators and Palestinian factions. The sources said a meeting involving mediators will be held soon in Cairo to reaffirm all parties’ commitment to implementing the agreement’s provisions, adding that Hamas and other Palestinian factions are engaging positively with these efforts. The Board of Peace announced Friday an agreement on implementing the next phase, saying Hamas had approved a detailed roadmap while no official Israeli position had been announced, and Hamas said it had dealt “responsibly and positively” with the negotiations.

Phase Two Conditions

Hamas said Israel’s commitment to halting the killing and ending its attacks is the essential first step toward implementation and establishing the framework and timetable for the agreed measures. Implementation of the second phase remains contingent on Israel fulfilling all commitments under the first phase, the group said, adding that its agreement to include heavy weapons in the framework is conditional on a complete end to Israeli attacks, a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the start of early recovery and reconstruction, the entry of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, and the deployment of the International Stabilization Force — alongside dismantling armed groups established by Israel inside Gaza and guaranteeing Palestinians’ right to self-determination.

Israeli Proxy Forces and War Toll

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged in June 2025 that Israel had activated Palestinian clans to counter Hamas, with Israel later confirming it provided limited support to anti-Hamas factions operating inside the enclave. The first phase of the ceasefire agreement took effect on Oct. 10, 2025, providing for a ceasefire, hostage-prisoner exchanges and expanded humanitarian aid deliveries, though Hamas says Israel has continued attacks and imposed restrictions on aid entering Gaza. Since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza in October 2023, more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 174,000 injured, according to Palestinian health authorities, while widespread destruction has devastated most of the enclave.