Chicago – April 15, 2026
The United States and Hamas have held their first direct talks since the Gaza ceasefire began, according to reports, as efforts to move the fragile truce into a second phase continue to stall. The meeting reportedly took place in Cairo and involved senior US advisor Aryeh Lightstone and Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya.
The talks focused on the next stage of the ceasefire, including Hamas disarmament, the deployment of an international force in Gaza, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops. Sources cited in the reports said negotiations have repeatedly stalled because Hamas wants Israel to fulfill its first-phase commitments before disarmament is discussed.
Hamas has argued that the proposal places too much weight on disarmament while delaying other obligations in the deal, while Israel has denied violating the agreement and accused Hamas of breaches. The State Department declined to comment on the ongoing discussions.
