Israeli delegation arrives in Cairo for fresh hostage-ceasefire talks

An Israeli delegation arrives in Egypt to continue ceasefire talks as Israel and Hamas consider the latest proposal, three Egyptian airport officials say.

International mediators continue to push Israel and Hamas toward a phased deal that would halt the fighting and free about 120 hostages held by the terror group in Gaza.

The Israeli delegation includes six officials, the airport officials say without disclosing identities. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the arrival with the media.

Talks between the sides were rattled over the weekend when Israel targeted Hamas’ military commander, Muhammad Deif, in a massive strike. His status remains unclear. Hamas has said the talks continue.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has told US counterpart Lloyd Austin that such heavy pressure on Hamas had “led to the conditions necessary to achieve an agreement for the return of the hostages.” He gave no further details in a statement from his office.