Hamas Proposes Long-Term Truce Amid Israeli Airstrikes and Cairo Talks

The militant group Hamas proposed a 10- to 15-year long-term truce, known as a hudna, in a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump. Under the proposal, Hamas would gradually disarm and transfer control of the Gaza Strip to an International Stabilization Force. In exchange, the group requested that Israel cease targeted killings of senior officials and gradually withdraw its military forces.

The Cabinet of Israel rejected the proposal, calling it a desperate attempt to buy time and insisting on complete demilitarization. Despite this rejection, the Israeli Security Cabinet—excluding National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir—approved the entry of the International Stabilization Force. The force, consisting of approximately 200 personnel from nations including Uganda and Morocco, will operate in coordination with the IDF.

Violence persisted as Israeli airstrikes killed at least four people in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, including an eight-year-old girl and an 18-month-old child. Strikes hit a tent encampment in Khan Younis, a house in the Bureij refugee camp, and a man in Gaza City. The Israeli military stated the attacks targeted Hamas militants.

Meanwhile, Hamas leaders met with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey in Cairo to discuss the second phase of President Trump's peace plan. While diplomats described the talks as positive, the disarmament of Hamas remains the primary sticking point. Reports vary on the group's position, with some sources suggesting Hamas may store heavy weapons under a Palestinian body and others indicating they have agreed to hand over weapons provided amendments are made regarding the dismantling of infrastructure.