A Hamas delegation traveled to Cairo Tuesday to discuss new ceasefire proposals, as Israeli air strikes killed at least 26 people.
The talks mark the latest diplomatic effort since Hamas rejected Israel’s proposal to release hostages in exchange for a temporary halt in fighting.
Since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, peace negotiations have stalled and humanitarian conditions in Gaza have worsened rapidly.
Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas’s chief negotiator, is leading the delegation to meet Egyptian officials in hopes of brokering a truce.
The visit follows calls from U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who urged Hamas to accept a deal linking hostage release to humanitarian aid.
Huckabee said such a deal could ensure aid flows freely to Gaza without risk of Hamas interference, a claim the group denies.
Israel blocked aid on March 2, citing fears it was being diverted for militant use, just days before launching its renewed offensive.
“Gaza has become a land of desperation,” said UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini, calling the hunger crisis deliberate and manmade.
A previous truce brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar began in January, enabling aid deliveries and prisoner-hostage exchanges.
