Explosions and clouds of smoke were seen across the Gaza Strip on Monday morning as Israel continued to pound the embattled enclave, while Israel-Hamas talks in Egypt look to wind down the war in Gaza after two years.

In Wadi Gaza, plumes of smoke were seen in distance behind buildings and tents.

The start of negotiations Monday come on the eve of the second anniversary of the conflict.

The indirect negotiations will take place in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh where the Israeli delegation, headed by top negotiator Ron Dermer, is set to arrive Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said.

Hamas’ delegation, headed by Khalil al-Hayyah, arrived Sunday in Egypt, the group said in a statement.

It said the negotiations will focus on the first stage of a ceasefire, including the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces as well as the release of hostages held by the militants in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli detention.

This latest push for peace comes after Hamas accepted some elements of the U.S. peace plan, a move welcomed by President Donald Trump. Israel has said it supported the new U.S. effort. Under the plan, Hamas would release the remaining 48 hostages — about 20 believed to be alive — within three days. It would give up power and disarm.

Trump on Friday ordered Israel to stop bombing the Gaza Strip after Hamas said it had accepted some elements of his plan to end the nearly two-year war and return all the remaining hostages taken in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack.