Egyptians are streaming into Cairo's Tahrir Square for a mass rally demanding the country's military rulers cede power to a civilian authority, as crisis talks begin between Egypt's ruling generals and several political coalitions.

Tuesday's demonstrations are expected to be the largest since hundreds of thousands of Egyptians turned out in February to force then-president Hosni Mubarak from power in an uprising that shook the Arab world.

In an online posting, a coalition of revolutionary youth groups called for the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Essam Sharaf's civilian Cabinet and the formation of a national unity government. The Cabinet on Monday offered to step down but will continue to perform its duties until the military council decides whether to accept the resignations.

In a bid to end days of deadly clashes between security forces and protesters, the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces asked political parties and other actors to join emergency talks.

Egypt's largest Islamist group – the Muslim Brotherhood – and four other parties were expected to attend Tuesday's deliberations. There is no indication the youth groups driving the protests would take part.

Egypt's Health Ministry said at least 29 protesters have been killed in the increasingly brutal violence, including three who died early Tuesday in the Red Sea port city of Ismailiya. Medical sources in Cairo said at least 10 patients have died from bullet wounds suffered at the protests.

The bloodshed has deepened divisions among Egypt's political groups, with the Muslim Brotherhood announcing it would not participate in Tuesday's protests. The Brotherhood-formed Freedom and Justice Party said the turmoil might delay planned elections and the transition to democracy.

Islamists are expected to dominate the polling for parliament, due to start November 28 and conclude in March. More moderate Islamist parties and the ultraconservative Salafis pledged to join liberal pro-reform groups in Tuesday's street protests.

In an apparent concession to demonstrators, the military council issued a law that bans anyone convicted of corruption from running for office or holding a government position. The move could restrict members of Mr. Mubarak's former ruling party from competing in upcoming elections.

Amnesty International on Tuesday accused Egypt's rulers of brutality sometimes exceeding that of Mr. Mubarak. Hundreds have been injured nationwide during the unrest.