Cairo  - A Turkish delegation arrived in Cairo on Sunday to discuss an Egyptian initiative seeking a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip at the invitation of Egyptian Presidnet Hosny Mubarak.

The Turkish delegation, led by Ahmet Davutoglu, chief foreign policy advisor to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is joining talks between Egypt and Hamas.

Hamas had sent a delegation from Gaza to Cairo for talks.

Last week, Mubarak announced a plan including an immediate ceasefire by Israel and Palestinian factions so that aid could reach civilians.

The initiative also foresees the involvement of international forces and mechanisms to prevent future conflicts such as controlling the borders and easing the blockade of Gaza.

Hamas said it was studying the plan, but had some reservations. The Islamist group said it would not allow any foreign forces in Gaza. Hamas delegates will meet Omar Soliman, the head of Egyptian intelligence, in addition to the Turkish delegates.

Hamas has called for ending the Israeli occupation, withdrawing of all forces from Gaza Strip, and opening all border crossing points to Gaza starting with Rafah. dpa