Hamas confirmed on Tuesday that its negotiating delegation has departed for the Egyptian capital, Cairo, to continue discussions on implementing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, amid renewed regional efforts to preserve the truce and advance negotiations on a permanent end to Israel's military campaign in the besieged enclave.

"Today, Tuesday, the negotiating delegation of Hamas is heading to the Egyptian capital, Cairo, to continue negotiations regarding the implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement," the Palestinian resistance movement said in a statement.

The talks are expected to focus on the next stage of the agreement, which Palestinian officials say should include a lasting ceasefire, the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, expanded humanitarian access, large-scale reconstruction efforts, and the release of additional Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli captives.

Egypt and Qatar, with support from other regional mediators, have continued to facilitate negotiations between the two sides in an effort to prevent a return to full-scale hostilities after months of devastating conflict.

Hamas has repeatedly stated that it remains committed to implementing the ceasefire agreement, provided Israel fulfills its obligations under the negotiated framework. The movement has insisted that any future agreement must guarantee a permanent cessation of hostilities, an end to the blockade imposed on Gaza, and the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid to address the worsening humanitarian crisis.

Palestinian officials have also stressed that reconstruction of Gaza and the return of displaced families to their homes must be central components of any comprehensive agreement.

The renewed diplomatic efforts come as Gaza continues to face catastrophic humanitarian conditions following Israel's military offensive, which has caused widespread destruction of homes, hospitals, schools, and civilian infrastructure while displacing the overwhelming majority of the enclave's population.

International humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned of severe shortages of food, clean water, fuel, medicine, and medical supplies, urging all parties to ensure sustained humanitarian access and protect civilians in accordance with international law.

Regional mediators remain cautiously optimistic that continued negotiations in Cairo could help consolidate the ceasefire, facilitate further prisoner exchanges, and create momentum toward a broader political settlement that would bring an end to the war and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. (ILKHA)