Hamas political leader and chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya is travelling to Cairo for discussions on a Gaza ceasefire, according to AFP and Anadolu, citing a Hamas source. The visit is al-Hayya’s first to Egypt since he assumed Hamas leadership at the end of July. He is scheduled to meet Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad on Sunday morning in the Egyptian capital.

The delegation will also include Hamas Shura Council head Mohammed Darwish, the group’s overseas leader Khaled Meshaal, West Bank affairs chief Zaher Jabarin, and Arab and Islamic relations office head Bassem Naim. The trip is viewed as significant for efforts to establish a Gaza ceasefire, as differences between Hamas and Israel over a truce remain and Egypt is launching a new mediation initiative.

Jared Kushner is due to visit Israel and Egypt next week with Tony Blair and Nikolay Mladenov. Officials said they will travel to Cairo after talks in Jerusalem to meet Egyptian leaders. Gaza’s Health Ministry said Israeli airstrikes, shelling and destruction of facilities killed two Palestinians and injured 14 on Saturday.