Hamas' top leader, Ismail Haniyeh, has arrived in Cairo for discussions regarding the ongoing war in Gaza, according to a statement issued by the militant group. Haniyeh's visit comes in the wake of recent rocket attacks by Hamas, which triggered air raid sirens in central Israel, showcasing their resilience after enduring over 10 weeks of intense Israeli bombardment and urban combat that has left northern Gaza in ruins and displaced a significant portion of the population.

Israel has called for the international community to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization, pledging to target its leaders wherever they may be. This call was prompted by Hamas' attack into southern Israel on October 7, which served as a catalyst for the current conflict. The United States has classified Hamas as a foreign terrorist organization since October 8, 1997.

Despite recent high-level diplomatic efforts, there seems to be a considerable gap between the two sides in reaching a resolution. Hamas has stated that Haniyeh's discussions with Egyptian officials will primarily focus on the war, although details have not been provided.

Egypt, along with Qatar, where Haniyeh is believed to be based, facilitated a one-week ceasefire in November, during which Hamas released over 100 hostages in exchange for the release of 240 Palestinian prisoners by Israel.

On Tuesday, Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed that Israeli forces were venturing into Hamas' tunnel network in northern Gaza as part of a final clearing operation to eliminate militants from the area. The densely populated urban north, including Gaza City, has witnessed fierce fighting, resulting in the reported deaths of numerous Palestinians.

Gallant further announced that operations in southern Gaza, including the assault on Khan Younis, the second-largest city in the territory, will continue for months. "We will not stop until we reach our goals," he emphasized.

The Health Ministry in Gaza, which is under Hamas control, reported on Tuesday that the death toll from the war had risen to over 19,600. However, the ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant casualties.

Following the October 7 attack, where Hamas and other militants abducted around 240 individuals, approximately 129 captives are still being held, predominantly women and children.

The Israeli military has disclosed that 131 soldiers have been killed in the ground offensive, while claiming to have eliminated around 7,000 militants without providing substantiating evidence. Israel accuses Hamas of using civilians as human shields during combat in residential areas, attributing civilian deaths to the militant group.

Efforts are underway at the United Nations Security Council to negotiate an Arab-sponsored resolution aimed at halting the fighting, with a focus on facilitating humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza. The resolution, originally scheduled for a vote on Monday, has been delayed until Wednesday in hopes of securing the United States' abstention or support. The U.S. had previously vetoed an earlier cease-fire proposal.

Notably, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, considered close allies of Israel, have joined the global chorus calling for an immediate cease-fire. Meanwhile, demonstrators in Israel are urging negotiations with Hamas to secure the release of the remaining hostages held by the group.

Israel remains steadfast in its mission to dismantle Hamas, disarm its military wing, and secure the release of all hostages. Although U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has urged Israel to take greater precautions to protect civilians, it has continued to offer diplomatic and military assistance during the offensive.