The Times of Israel reports that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet senior Hamas officials in Istanbul, led by Khalil al-Hayya, to discuss efforts to maintain the Gaza ceasefire. Witkoff is expected to reiterate the US demand that Hamas disarm as part of the agreement.
If held, this will be Witkoff’s second meeting with al-Hayya, following talks in Egypt before the October 9 ceasefire. The meeting is seen as critical to finalizing the Gaza peace plan, with Washington assuring Israel it will enforce the terms if Hamas meets its obligations.
Witkoff has also been negotiating safe passage for 100–200 Hamas members trapped in a tunnel in Rafah, though Israel has so far rejected such proposals
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