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.

A growing willingness by among Israeli news media to critically explore the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has all but evaporated in recent weeks after militant group Hamas released videos of two emaciated Israeli hostages.

Hamas says it will release the remaining hostages only in return for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, a lasting ceasefire and Israel's withdrawal from Gaza.