Media outlets say officials from Hamas and others have arrived in Egypt to discuss the conflict in the Gaza Strip. But Israel reportedly did not send a delegation on Sunday.

Reuters news agency previously reported that negotiations were set to be held in Cairo as early as Sunday. The agency said the participants are expected to talk about a pause in the fighting and the release of the hostages that Hamas is still holding.

Egyptian media outlets said on Sunday that delegates from Qatar, the United States and Hamas had arrived in Cairo.

Israeli media outlets said the country did not send a delegation to Egypt, as Hamas had failed to provide a list of the hostages who are still alive.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said on Sunday that peace, security and stability cannot be achieved unless a serious effort is made to find a political solution to the Palestinian issue.

Pope Francis called for the conflict in Gaza to end during a public address. He said, "Let us all say it: enough, please! Stop!"

The US and those serving as mediators hope that an agreement can be reached before the start of Ramadan. The holy Muslim month will begin around March 10.