Kathmandu— Hamas political leader Khalil al-Hayya traveled to Cairo Sunday for talks with Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, amid ongoing tensions in Gaza and ahead of a planned visit by US President Donald Trump’s envoy, Jared Kushner. The meetings come as Hamas seeks mediation efforts to compel Israel to adhere to a previously agreed roadmap, while Israeli forces continue strikes within the territory and maintain a military presence across multiple fronts.

High-Level Negotiations Underway

Al-Hayya’s visit marks his first trip to Egypt since assuming leadership of Hamas in late July. He is expected to discuss the current situation in Gaza with Rashad, focusing on efforts to de-escalate tensions and advance a political resolution. The discussions are taking place as Kushner prepares to travel to Israel and Egypt next week, aiming to bridge differences over a Gaza plan that has already faced resistance.

Stalled Peace Plan Faces Opposition

The planned meetings follow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s public rejection of a 15-point peace plan. Under the proposal, Hamas had agreed to relinquish its weapons to a newly formed Palestinian governing committee. Basem Naim, a member of the Hamas political bureau, stated on Friday that they continue to await pressure from mediators and the US side on Netanyahu “to compel him to abide by the roadmap.”

Continued Violence in Gaza

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, violence persists within Gaza. On Saturday, Israeli fire resulted in the deaths of two Palestinians and injuries to 14 others following air strikes, artillery shelling, and demolitions across various parts of the territory, according to the Ministry of Health. Palestinian official sources report that over 1,250 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed by Israeli fire since a ceasefire took effect last October, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to exceed 73,300.

Israeli Security Posture Remains Firm

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz affirmed this week that Israeli troops will maintain their presence in occupied “security zones” along both the Lebanese and Syrian borders. He stated that a continued military presence would be maintained across all three fronts, signaling no immediate plans for withdrawal despite international efforts to achieve a lasting peace.

Kushner’s upcoming visit is seen as a critical opportunity to revive stalled negotiations, though significant obstacles remain given Netanyahu's firm stance on disarmament and security concerns. The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with continued violence threatening to derail diplomatic progress.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.