Israeli forces reportedly stepped up airstrikes in Gaza's southern border city of Rafah Thursday as diplomats sought to salvage ceasefire talks after proposals were rejected by both sides.
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A Hamas delegation led by senior official Khalil Al-Hayya arrived in Cairo on Thursday for ceasefire negotiations with mediators Egypt and Qatar.
Video: Hamas' camera exposes their use of civilian homes / x@idf
Netanyahu said on Wednesday that terms proposed by the terror group were "delusional" and vowed to fight on, saying victory was in reach.
IDF planes bombed terror targets in Rafah on Thursday morning, residents said, killing at least 11 in strikes on two houses. Tanks reportedly shelled some areas in eastern Rafah.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who met mediators this week on his fifth trip to the region since the start of the war, said he still saw room for negotiations. He departed to return to the US on Thursday afternoon.
The Hamas delegation in Egypt is expected to meet officials including Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel, Egyptian security sources said.
Hamas proposed a ceasefire of 4-1/2 months, during which all hostages would be set free, Israel would withdraw its troops and an agreement would be reached on an end to the war. The offer was a response to a proposal drawn up by US and Israeli spy chiefs with Qatar and Egypt and delivered to Hamas last week.
Hamas says it will not agree to any deal that does not include an end to the war and Israeli withdrawal. Israel says it will not withdraw or stop fighting until Hamas is eradicated.
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