Hamas signals readiness to finalize Trump’s Gaza deal as Israel sends top security officials to Cairo, insisting on full control of key zones.
A senior official from the Hamas terror organization told the French news agency AFP on Sunday that the group is “eager to end the war and finalize the agreement based on the conditions on the ground.”
The statement comes just as senior Hamas operative Khalil al-Hayya — who recently survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Doha — arrived in Cairo to lead the group’s delegation for talks under US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace initiative.
“If the occupation has genuine intentions to reach an agreement, we are ready. They must not delay the implementation of the plan,” the Hamas official claimed — rhetoric many in Jerusalem dismissed as another bid to buy time and regroup militarily.
According to Saudi channel Al-Sharq, Hamas’s leadership is signaling openness to the Trump proposal, which requires the release of all Israeli hostages within 72 hours of signing. However, Hamas has reportedly informed mediators that it may “need more time” to locate all remaining captives — a delay Israel views as unacceptable manipulation.
Israel’s Delegation to Cairo
An Israeli delegation left for Cairo Sunday morning, comprising some of Israel’s most senior security and intelligence figures:
- Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, representing the Prime Minister’s Office;
- Gal Hirsch, Coordinator for Hostages and Missing Persons;
- Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon, head of Israel’s intelligence and coordination task force on hostages;
- Alongside senior officials from the Mossad, Shin Bet, and IDF.
Their mission: to secure a comprehensive hostage release while preserving Israel’s military achievements and ensuring Hamas’s total disarmament.
Trump’s “3,000-Year Catastrophe” Message
In a statement on Truth Social, President Trump confirmed that Israel has already approved the initial withdrawal line, and that a ceasefire will begin immediately once Hamas signs on.
“When Hamas confirms, the Ceasefire will be IMMEDIATELY effective, the Hostages and Prisoner Exchange will begin,” Trump wrote, calling the plan a path toward ending “this 3,000-year catastrophe.”
Crucially, the map attached to Trump’s post guarantees that Israel retains full control over strategic zones:
- The Rafah area, including the border crossings with Egypt;
- The Philadelphi Corridor, a key route used by Hamas for arms smuggling;
- And Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, which remains under full Israeli control to prevent renewed rocket fire toward Israeli communities.
Netanyahu: “Hostages First — Hamas Must Fall”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Sunday that Israel’s security red lines are non-negotiable.
“I hope that during the Sukkot holiday, we will announce the return of all hostages — both the living and the fallen — in a single phase, with the IDF remaining deep inside the Strip,” Netanyahu declared.
“I have instructed our negotiation teams to finalize the remaining details, with the goal of concluding the talks within days.”
While Hamas attempts to project eagerness for peace, Israeli officials stress that only sustained military pressure forced the terror group to negotiate. Any agreement, they emphasize, must secure the hostages, preserve Israeli control of vital security corridors, and ensure Hamas’s permanent dismantling — not its rehabilitation.
