Hamas' meetings with Egyptian officials will focus on ways to stop the war, deliver aid, and "end the suffering of our people in Gaza," Hamas official Taher al-Nono said in a statement.

CAIRO/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Militant group Hamas' chief negotiator held talks with Egyptian mediators over a potential ceasefire in the Gaza war on Wednesday while Israel struck the territory's main city prior to a planned takeover and again invited Palestinians to leave.

Middle Eastern media outlets have reported that Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya was due in Cairo on Wednesday to meet Egyptian officials for talks. "We are working very hard now in full cooperation with the Qataris and Americans," Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said at a press conference in Cairo on Tuesday.