UPDATE - Egypt hosts Palestinian factions to discuss 2nd phase of Gaza ceasefire agreement

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS

By Hussien Elkabany, Betul Yilmaz and Rania Abu Shamala

CAIRO / ISTANBUL (AA) - Egypt hosted talks on Thursday between Palestinian factions to discuss the implementation of the second phase of a Gaza ceasefire agreement.

Egypt’s state-run Al-Qahera News channel said the discussions aim at reaching a consensus between the Palestinian factions regarding the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan.

Separately, Egypt's Intelligence Chief Hassan Rashad met Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh and his Palestinian counterpart Majed Faraj “as part of Egypt's efforts to end the crisis in Gaza,” the outlet said.

“A consensus was reached during the meeting to support and continue implementing the ceasefire agreement in Gaza,” the channel said.

The broadcaster said a Hamas delegation headed by group leader Khalil al-Hayya held talks with a delegation from rival group Fatah, led by al-Sheikh, to discuss a host of national issues and arrangements for the post-war phase in Gaza.

The Gaza ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, brokered through regional and international mediation, took effect on Oct. 10. Phase one of the truce included the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a partial Israeli withdrawal. The plan also envisages rebuilding Gaza and establishing a new governing mechanism without Hamas.

Since October 2023, the Israeli genocidal war has killed over 68,200 people and injured more than 170,300, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.