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.

"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.

Director General of the Ministry of Health in Gaza Dr Muneer Alboursh has warned of the magnitude of the health and humanitarian catastrophe facing Palestinians in the Gaza

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