The proposal from regional mediators would see Israeli hostages released in two batches during a 60-day truce, according to a Palestinian official.

A Hamas source told AFP on Monday that the Palestinian militants had agreed to a new proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, devastated by more than 22 months of war between the Islamist group and Israel.

As Israel expands operations in the enclave, Gazans increasingly voice defiance against Hamas, with dissenters risking their lives to demand freedom from the group’s grip.

Israel announced plans to reoccupy Gaza City and other heavy populated areas after the ceasefire talks appeared to have broken down last month.

Dan Perry says most Israelis want Hamas out and captives freed; Arab states also blame Hamas for Gaza's devastation.

A senior Iranian political official told state media that an IDF strike on an Iranian national security council meeting was an attempt on Pezeshkian's life. Israel tried to assassinate Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the 12-day war in June, according to Mohsen Haji-Mirzaei, Pezeshkian’s chief of staff.

Families of hostages held in Gaza are stepping up their campaign to secure their release by holding a strike across Israel.

Hamas' meetings with Egyptian officials will focus on ways to stop the war, deliver aid, and "end the suffering of our people in Gaza," Hamas official Taher al-Nono said in a statement.

President Donald Trump backed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to take over Gaza, saying hostages held in the enclave will only be returned when "Hamas is confronted and destroyed"

Israel says it is preparing to mass move Palestinians from combat areas in Gaza to the south as plans of its new military offensive reach final stages of planning. View on euronews