Israel's defense chief has emphasized that the ongoing war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip is centered around the southern city of Khan Younis and could take months to achieve the objective of destroying the Palestinian militant group. However, there are indications that cease-fire negotiations might soon resume, as Hamas' top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, arrived in Cairo for discussions with Egypt's spy chief on the "aggression in the Gaza Strip and other matters," according to a statement released by Hamas.

Sources close to Hamas revealed to CBS News on Wednesday that the group is aiming to secure a truce of up to two weeks, which would be double the length of the previous cease-fire. In November, Hamas released over 100 hostages in exchange for Israel releasing more than 200 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli media reports indicate that the government is considering a new week-long truce, contingent on the release of approximately 40 hostages.

Reports from The Washington Post suggest that Israel is contemplating a pause in the fighting that could extend for up to two weeks as it prepares for the next phase of its conflict with Hamas. The war was triggered by Hamas' terror attack on Israel in early October.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the families of the approximately 130 remaining hostages believed to be captive in Gaza, assured them of his commitment to their release. Netanyahu stated that he had sent the head of the Mossad spy agency twice to Europe for discussions aimed at freeing the hostages. The Mossad chief recently met with CIA chief William Burns and other officials in Poland.

Despite mounting international pressure, the prospects and timing of a new cease-fire remained uncertain as discussions in Cairo commenced. A vote is scheduled for Thursday in the U.N. Security Council, where a binding resolution calling for another halt in the fighting could be passed if the U.S. does not block it. The draft resolution has encountered obstacles, including the proposal for a U.N. monitoring mechanism for aid entering Gaza. Additionally, an agreement at the Security Council depends on whether the U.S., Israel, and Egypt can agree on a pause in the fighting and the release of additional Israeli hostages.

On the ground in Gaza, the war continued to rage, particularly in Khan Younis, where Israel is intensifying its battle against Hamas. Tragically, another Israeli missile strike in the city has added to the gut-wrenching grief felt by its residents.

According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, the number of Palestinians killed during the war is nearing 20,000, with hundreds losing their lives in the past few days alone. Israel maintains that its targets are terrorists and accuses Hamas of using civilian neighborhoods as hiding spots for weapons and fighters. Nonetheless, the indiscriminate bombings have put people of all ages at risk, leading to an influx of dead and injured at the remaining operational hospitals in southern Gaza.

Speaking to CBS News amidst the chaos, a little girl shared her experience of running out of her home as glass shattered around her. Another grieving mother, Umm Walid al-Azayza, questioned why innocent children were being killed and lamented the destruction caused by an Israeli strike in Rafah.

Israel's military reported that it struck over 300 "terror targets" in Gaza on the previous day, marking the 75th day of the conflict. The Israel Defense Forces reiterate that their objective is to dismantle and destroy Hamas, while rescuing the remaining hostages remains a top priority.

Adding to the pressure on Israel, a new proof-of-life video featuring two of the remaining captives in Gaza was released by Hamas' ally, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group. This comes amidst rising concerns that the military campaign is endangering the lives of these hostages.

As the discussions in Cairo unfold and the international community continues to exert pressure, the situation in Gaza remains volatile. The hope for a renewed cease-fire and the safe release of hostages hangs in the balance.

Note: CBS News correspondent Pamela Falk contributed to this article.

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