A Hamas delegation held what an Egyptian security source described as 'crucial' talks in Cairo on Thursday, 9 July with senior Egyptian officials, focusing on the framework and arrangements for launching the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the discussions centred on concrete preparations for advancing the Gaza peace plan to its next stage.

Hamas Signals Readiness to Transfer Gaza Administration

In a significant development, Hamas reaffirmed its readiness to hand over the Gaza Strip to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza — a transitional technocratic body established in January 2026. The group also agreed to place its weapons under the committee's custody and expressed willingness to facilitate the work of both the peacekeeping force and the national committee, according to the Egyptian source.

This comes just days after Hamas announced on Monday the dissolution of its Government Emergency Committee in Gaza and the formal transfer of administrative authority to the national committee — a move widely seen as a prerequisite for Phase 2 to proceed.

The US-Led 'Board of Peace' Proposal

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. The zone is intended to accommodate tens of thousands of residents following security screening conducted by the national committee, according to the Egyptian security source. All relevant parties are reportedly coordinating closely to implement the plan.

What Phase 2 Entails

The US 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 commencement of reconstruction efforts, and the establishment of a transitional governing authority in the enclave. Phase 1, which has been in effect since 10 October 2025, included exchanges of hostages and detainees, the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of the territory.

The National Committee: Background

The 15-member transitional technocratic committee, established in January, comprises independent Palestinian figures tasked with overseeing civilian affairs, public services, and reconstruction during a transitional period. Its activation is central to Phase 2, as it is designed to serve as the governing bridge between the ceasefire and a longer-term political settlement. Notably, the committee's credibility and independence will be closely watched by all parties as a gauge of whether the transition is genuine.

What Comes Next

The Cairo talks signal momentum toward Phase 2, but significant hurdles remain — including the modalities of Hamas disarmament and the scope of the Israeli withdrawal. All parties, including the US, Egypt, and Hamas, are reported to be in active coordination. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the framework agreed in principle translates into a binding implementation timeline.