CAIRO/GAZA/JERUSALEM - The United States has confirmed "very serious" negotiations aimed at securing a new ceasefire in Gaza and the release of additional Israeli hostages. However, the potential for a deal remains uncertain as Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, insists on a complete end to Israel's offensive in the region.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh made a rare visit to Egypt on Wednesday for discussions with Egyptian officials, who are actively mediating in an attempt to broker another truce. Envoys involved in the negotiations are reportedly engaged in intense discussions about which hostages held by Palestinian Islamist militants in Gaza could be released in a new agreement, as well as identifying Palestinian prisoners that Israel might release in return.

While expressing optimism about the ongoing talks, White House spokesperson John Kirby emphasized their seriousness, stating, "These are very serious discussions and negotiations, and we hope that they lead somewhere."

Despite the optimism, Taher Al-Nono, Haniyeh's media adviser, informed medias that Hamas is unwilling to discuss the release of more Israeli hostages unless Israel halts its military campaign in Gaza and increases humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians. The conflict has already led to a massive ground and air assault, resulting in a significant number of casualties and displacements.

International aid groups have raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with nearly 20,000 confirmed deaths and a vast majority of the population facing severe challenges due to the destruction of homes, malnutrition, and a shortage of clean water and medical care.

U.S. President Joe Biden acknowledged the challenges, stating that he does not expect a second Israel-Hamas hostage release deal to be reached soon but emphasized ongoing efforts, saying, "We're pushing."

Israel, on the other hand, has not publicly commented on the talks in Egypt. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Wednesday that the war would only end with the complete eradication of Hamas, the release of all hostages, and Gaza posing no further threat to Israel.

The United States, as Israel's closest ally, has called for a shift from an all-out war to a more focused campaign against Hamas leaders, addressing concerns about civilian casualties resulting from what Biden termed "indiscriminate bombing."

In a concerning development, Yemen's Houthi forces, with apparent support from Iran, have targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea in solidarity with the Palestinians. This has prompted the U.S. to establish a multinational force to counter these attacks, with the Houthis warning of striking U.S. warships if targeted.

The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to vote on Thursday on a proposal to increase aid to the Gaza Strip, following a delay at the request of the U.S. Meanwhile, aid into Gaza has seen a gradual increase, with discussions between Cyprus and Israel exploring the possibility of opening a sea route to bring in more aid. However, no final agreement has been reached on this front.