Hamas is believed to hold around 100 Israelis in Gaza and the remains of at least 30 more. Israeli media said Israel had softened its position in the talks, and is now seeking the release of 33 hostages - down from 40 - in return for the release of some 900 Palestinian prisoners. In recent weeks, Egypt has stepped up mediation efforts in hopes of averting an assault on Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city on the border with Egypt where more than half of the enclave's population is sheltering. Mr Blinken also put pressure on Hamas to accept Israel's latest 'extraordinarily generous' proposal.įor context: Along with Qatar and the United States, Egypt is mediating between Israel and Hamas to secure a truce after nearly seven months of war. He said Israel needs to do more to allow aid to enter Gaza, but that the best way to alleviate the humanitarian crisis is for the two sides to agree to a ceasefire.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken is expected to visit Israel on his latest trip to the region, which began on Monday in Saudi Arabia.

The delegation, chaired by senior Hamas official Khalil al Hayya, held talks with Egyptian officials on Monday that focused on an Egyptian-crafted proposal to establish a ceasefire in Gaza.

An update on the ceasefire negotiations - Hamas officials have left Cairo after talks with Egyptian officials on a new proposal.Įgyptian media reported that a Hamas delegation will return to Cairo with a written response to the ceasefire proposal, without saying when.

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