CAIRO (AP) - In an effort to prevent an Israeli offensive on the Gaza town of Rafah and maintain regional stability, Egypt has dispatched a high-level delegation to Israel for cease-fire talks with Hamas, officials confirmed. Led by Egypt's top intelligence official, Abbas Kamel, the delegation aims to discuss a "new vision" for a prolonged cease-fire in Gaza.

The talks, which come as international pressure mounts for a resolution to the ongoing conflict, initially focused on a limited exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners, as well as the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in northern Gaza with minimal restrictions, according to an Egyptian official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Mediators are actively working on a compromise that addresses the main demands of both parties, with the goal of leading to continued negotiations for a broader deal to end the war. Egypt's intensified efforts for a cease-fire are specifically aimed at averting an offensive in Rafah, a town located on the border with Egypt. If such an offensive were to occur, it could potentially violate the long-standing peace agreement between Egypt and Israel.

Meanwhile, on the Israel-Lebanon border, tensions have also escalated as Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group attacked an Israeli military convoy using anti-tank missiles and artillery shells. The attack resulted in the death of an Israeli civilian. The conflict along the border has resulted in numerous casualties and displacement on both sides.

In light of these developments, it is crucial for both Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement on a permanent cease-fire. Hamas has reiterated its demands for a full withdrawal of Israeli troops, while Israel insists on continuing military operations until Hamas is defeated and maintaining a security presence in Gaza afterward.

In a statement, Hamas expressed openness to any ideas or suggestions that take into consideration the needs of the Palestinian people, including an end to Israeli attacks, the return of displaced individuals to their homes, and an Israeli withdrawal.

Confirming the arrival of the Egyptian delegation in Tel Aviv, both Israeli and Egyptian officials have acknowledged that meetings have concluded with an agreement to work out a draft deal. However, further details have not been disclosed.

The escalation of violence in the region has raised concerns among international actors, including the United States and European countries. Egypt has shared intelligence with these nations, highlighting the potential for an offensive in Rafah to inflame the entire region and have catastrophic consequences on the humanitarian situation and regional peace and security.

As the delicate negotiations continue, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure not only from his government but also from far-right factions. Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, an ultranationalist, has dismissed the Egyptian attempts for a cease-fire, claiming that Hamas is afraid of a Rafah operation.

The ongoing Israel-Hamas war was triggered by a raid conducted by Hamas into southern Israel on October 7. The conflict has resulted in a devastating loss of lives, with more than 34,000 Palestinians killed, primarily civilians, and over 260 Israeli soldiers reported dead since the start of ground operations.

Update: The Ministry of Health in Gaza has reported the arrival of 51 additional bodies of Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes over the past 24 hours, further highlighting the urgent need for a negotiated cease-fire.

As tensions escalate, the region awaits further updates on the progress of the talks and hopes for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.