Hamas says Cairo talks begin to discuss Gaza ceasefire implementation

Hamas announced on Saturday the start of its meetings in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, with Palestinian factions and mediators to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the future of the Gaza Strip.

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem told reporters that the meetings aim to complete what was agreed upon in the first phase, including halting "Israeli aggression and escalation, assassinations, opening the crossings, and allowing the entry of the National Committee."

Discussions will then move to seek reasonable and acceptable approaches for all parties regarding the second phase, whether it involves the entry of international forces or the Gaza technocratic committee into the enclave, or addressing the issue of Palestinian weapons, Qassem added.

He said that Hamas prioritizes the Palestinian people's interest and seeks to "remove any pretexts for Israel to resume war on the Gaza Strip."

A Hamas delegation led by its leader in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, along with other faction representatives, arrived in Cairo on Friday for the multi-day talks.

These developments come as the fragile October 2025 ceasefire between Hamas and Israel falters, with key provisions, including disarmament and reconstruction, yet to be implemented.

The first phase of the ceasefire included an exchange of prisoners and detainees, the entry of humanitarian aid into the strip, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from some areas.

The United States announced in mid-January the start of the second phase of the ceasefire, which includes a complete Israeli military withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, reconstruction, and the establishment of a transitional governing body in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas says Cairo talks begin to discuss Gaza ceasefire implementation

Hamas says Cairo talks begin to discuss Gaza ceasefire implementation

The ancient town of Pingyao in north China's Shanxi Province has introduced an array of dazzling nighttime activities including light show and immersive performances to boost visitor numbers around the clock.

As night fell, accompanied by dazzling lights and emotive music, actors perform a story depicting the faithfulness, loyalty and courage of local merchants at the foot of Pingyao.

"The weather is cool, the lights are beautiful, and there are a lot of tourists. You can also feel the cultural atmosphere of Pingyao as an ancient city," said Wang Ye, a tourist.

With a history of over 2,700 years, Pingyao is famous for its well-preserved urban landscape from the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). It was named a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1997.

The ancient city, covering an area of 2.25 square km, is home to more than 300 cultural relics and nearly 4,000 traditional buildings.

North China ancient town tries to boost nighttime visitor numbers with light show, immersive performances