Envoys from US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” met with representatives of Hamas in Cairo to safeguard the Gaza ceasefire. The talks come amid serious strain caused by US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Both sides discussed ongoing Gaza restrictions and efforts to prevent a collapse of the ceasefire.
The weekend meeting is the first publicly reported since the start of the Iran war and involves Trump’s board, a new body tasked with overseeing post-conflict Gaza. Following the meeting, Israel announced plans to reopen the Rafah pedestrian crossing to Egypt, which had been closed since the Iran bombing campaign began. Sources suggest the meeting influenced Israel’s decision.
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Hamas warned that it might back away from commitments under the Gaza ceasefire if Israel continues imposing new restrictions. Israel initially closed Gaza’s borders after February 28 for security reasons but later resumed limited goods flow. The Rafah crossing remained shut until the recent announcement, pending a security assessment.
The talks included US board representation by Aryeh Lightstone, aide to Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff. Further meetings with Hamas are expected this week, though sources could not confirm whether disarmament would be discussed. The board continues coordination with regional partners to implement Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan.
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Trump’s Gaza plan began with an October ceasefire that left Israel controlling much of the enclave, while Hamas retained authority over densely populated areas. The initiative included reconstruction pledges and border reopening, but Israel’s ongoing strikes during the Iran war have complicated progress. Hamas officials claim Israel may exploit the Iran conflict to avoid obligations under the plan.