RAFAH, Gaza Strip — Ismail Haniyeh, the top leader of Hamas, traveled to Cairo on Wednesday for talks on the ongoing war in Gaza. The visit comes as the militant group continues to resist Israel’s offensive and seeks another cease-fire and hostage swap. The war, which has lasted 10 weeks, has taken a devastating toll on the region, with nearly 20,000 Palestinians killed and 1.9 million displaced from their homes.

Despite recent indirect talks between the two sides, there appears to be a wide gap in negotiations on hostages. Hamas has stated that it will not release any more hostages until the war ends and is demanding the release of a large number of high-level Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the captives that remain. Israeli officials have thus far rejected these demands.

Egypt and Qatar, who mediated a cease-fire in November, are once again involved in the efforts to secure a cessation of hostilities and the release of hostages. Egypt, in particular, is deeply concerned about the potential influx of Palestinian refugees, fearing that Israel will not allow them to return.

Meanwhile, Israel continues its offensive, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stating that a “final clearing” is underway in the north of Gaza. The fighting has resulted in heavy casualties, with the death toll rising to more than 19,600 according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.

Amid the ongoing conflict, there are ongoing negotiations among U.N. Security Council members for an Arab-sponsored resolution to halt the fighting and allow for increased humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza. France, the United Kingdom, and Germany have joined global calls for a cease-fire.

The situation remains highly volatile, with no immediate resolution in sight as both sides continue to assert their positions.