A Hamas delegation is due to arrive in Egypt, where it will respond to Israel’s latest proposal for a long-sought hostage-release deal and truce in the Gaza Strip after almost seven months of onslaught, AFP reports.

Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been trying to mediate an agreement between Israel and Hamas for months, as the death toll in Gaza rises and calls for a deal intensify.

But despite intense pressure to reach a ceasefire, secure the release of hostages held in Gaza and allow more humanitarian aid into the conflict-torn territory, a deal has remained elusive.

Hamas said Sunday it had no “major issues” with the content of Israel’s most recent offer for a truce.

“The atmosphere is positive unless there are new Israeli obstacles,” a senior Hamas official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.