"Israel's policy is consistent and has not changed. Israel demands the release of all 50 hostages in accordance with the principles established by the cabinet for ending the war. We are in the final decisive stage of Hamas and will not leave any hostage behind," an Israeli political source said.

Hamas has accepted a new ceasefire proposal for Gaza, a senior member from the group said yesterday, after a fresh diplomatic push to end more than 22

A key mediator on Tuesday stressed the urgency of brokering a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip after Hamas showed a "positive response" to a proposal from Arab countries, but Israel has yet to weigh in as its military prepares an offensive in some of the territory's most populated areas.

An Egyptian presidency statement said Sisi and Sheikh Mohammed affirmed the importance of continuing their joint efforts, in coordination with the US, “to reach an agreement that guarantees an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip that allows the immediate and unhindered access to humanitarian aid, as well as the release of hostages.”

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said Monday his country would continue mediation efforts with both Qatar and the US for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.The remarks

Qatar has stressed the urgency of brokering a ceasefire in Gaza after Hamas showed a “positive response” to a proposal from Arab countries, but Israel has yet to weigh in as its military prepares an offensive in some of the territory's most densely populated areas.

The UN Human Rights Office warned "the risk of starvation is everywhere in Gaza", as scenes of desperation played out in Khan Younis following an aid drop.