Hamas Delegation Heads to Cairo for Ceasefire Talks Amid Ongoing Israeli Strikes

A Hamas delegation, led by chief negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya, traveled to Cairo to discuss new ideas for a Gaza ceasefire following the group's recent rejection of Israel's latest proposal for a hostage release. The talks are occurring amid renewed Israeli air strikes that killed at least 26 people and after Israel blocked all humanitarian aid to Gaza, citing concerns over aid diversion by Hamas—a claim the group denies. The renewed diplomatic push comes as the newly appointed US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, urged Hamas to accept a deal that would exchange hostages for increased humanitarian aid. Both Israeli and Hamas delegations have arrived in Cairo, reportedly under US pressure, with discussions focusing on comprehensive agreements to end the war and specific names of captives for release, especially those with US citizenship. The previous truce, brokered by Qatar, the US, and Egypt, collapsed after disagreements over its next phase, leading to resumed violence. Humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate, with UN officials warning of deepening hunger and the use of aid as a bargaining chip in the conflict.