Militant group Hamas' chief negotiator held talks with Egyptian mediators over a potential ceasefire in the Gaza war on Wednesday while Israel struck the territory's main city prior to a planned takeover and again invited Palestinians to leave.

Gaza ceasefire negotiations to end the more than 22-month war on the enclave are yet to yield any results amid a looming Israeli invasion to occupy the strip.

Hamas's public calls for the complete opening of the Rafah crossing put a strain on Egypt's Sisi, as he feel his authority is being undermined.