News Desk
GAZA/Cairo: Talks to advance U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to end the Gaza war have been paused since last week following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, which escalated the regional conflict.
The pause threatens to delay implementation of Trump’s key Middle East peace initiative, which involves persuading Hamas to disarm in exchange for amnesty and facilitating Gaza’s reconstruction. Backchannel communications between Israel and Hamas had been underway but were suspended when the Iran conflict erupted on February 28.
A source involved in the negotiations described the delay as temporary, mainly due to travel disruptions preventing mediators from moving across the region. Palestinian officials confirmed meetings scheduled with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey were canceled, with no new dates set.
Despite the freeze, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have slowed but not stopped entirely. Air campaigns against Iran and Lebanon have taken priority, though at least 16 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since February 28. Residents fear the lull in violence may be temporary, with attacks likely to resume once the Iran conflict subsides.
Hamas has also consolidated control in its territories, reportedly carrying out ambushes against Israeli-backed militia, killing at least two individuals in recent incidents.
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