A Hamas delegation has departed for Cairo to engage in discussions about “new ideas” aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, according to a group official.
This diplomatic push occurs as Palestinian rescuers reported that Israeli air strikes killed 26 people on Tuesday.
The renewed effort follows Hamas’s rejection of Israel’s latest proposal for the release of hostages last week.
Previous talks have failed to yield a breakthrough since Israel resumed its air and ground offensive on March 18, ending a two-month ceasefire.
The Hamas delegation, led by Khalil Al-Hayya, the group’s chief negotiator, will meet with Egyptian officials.
This comes a day after the new US ambassador to Israel urged Hamas to accept a deal securing hostage release in exchange for humanitarian aid.
Israel has accused Hamas of diverting aid, a claim the group denies. Notably, Israel blocked all aid to Gaza on March 2, prior to its renewed offensive.
The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees described Gaza as a “land of desperation,” where hunger is spreading and aid is being used as a “bargaining chip.”
Qatar, alongside the US and Egypt, previously brokered a truce in January, facilitating aid and hostage exchanges, but it collapsed due to disagreements over the next phase.
Hamas had insisted on negotiating a permanent end to the war, while Israel sought to extend the initial phase. Following the impasse, Israel resumed its military campaign.