Secretive Gaza meetings in Cyprus as plan to isolate Hamas gathers pace

While a Hamas delegation holds talks with mediators in Cairo, discussions over Gaza’s next administrative phase are also taking place in the Cypriot coastal resort city of Ayia Napa. Representatives of a US-led Board of Peace – headed by prominent international figures including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former UN envoy Nickolay Mladenov – are convening to draw up a roadmap for the devastated enclave. Recommended Stories list of 3 items end of list The primary objective is to isolate Hamas from the Palestinian population and its resources through the implementation of Article 17 of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, which has now killed more than 73,000 Palestinians. However, the initiative is already buckling under the weight of financial crises, Israeli political gridlock, and legal controversies. Article 17 and the ‘pincer movement’ Article 17 of the Trump plan paves the way for what officials describe as a “temporary reconstruction” in areas designated as free of Hamas control. Rather than pouring concrete for permanent rebuilding, the plan envisions setting up temporary structures and providing medical services for civilians settling in those areas. …