Hamas Official Says Egypt to Host Palestinian Conference on Gaza's Post-War Future

A senior Hamas official announced Saturday that Egypt will organize a conference for Palestinian factions to determine the Gaza Strip's future after the war, following Hamas's acceptance of key elements in US President Donald Trump's ceasefire proposal, including hostage releases.

The gathering will focus on "intra-Palestinian dialogue on Palestinian unity and the future of Gaza, including the administration of the Gaza Strip," the official told AFP.

Hamas confirmed Friday it would release hostages held since the October 7, 2023, attack under Trump's plan, which includes a phased Israeli withdrawal, full disarmament of Hamas, and an international transitional government. However, it sidestepped demands for its exile from Gaza post-war.

The announcement comes amid fragile progress: Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey urged Hamas to accept the deal, warning of escalation otherwise. Trump set a 72-hour deadline, with Israel halting strikes but maintaining defensive operations.

Egypt's role as mediator builds on its March 2025 proposal for a Palestinian committee to govern Gaza temporarily, handing over to the Palestinian Authority. The conference could address unity amid over 66,000 Palestinian deaths and famine risks.

Hamas's response has drawn cautious optimism from Arab states, but Israeli PM Netanyahu insists on Hamas's total disarmament and exile.