Egypt is sending a security delegation to Israel this week to discuss a range of security issues including the ongoing implementation of the Egyptian-brokered truce between Israel and Hamas that ended last November’s Operation Pillar of Defense. The Israeli campaign came after weeks of escalatory rocket and missile fire by Hamas-led groups, targeting Israeli civilians and utilizing increasingly sophisticated weaponry. Israel’s eight-day air campaign secured an end to the barrages, while Israel reportedly offered concessions on permitting goods to travel into the Gaza Strip. The Hamas demands for goods transfers were viewed in some quarters as part and parcel of Hamas “desperately seeking face-saving formulas towards achieving a cease-fire.” Israel has long permitted the transfer of humanitarian aid into the Hamas-controlled area, including during times of open conflict.