Even with ceasefire talks ongoing, Israel is pressing ahead with plans to capture Gaza City, the densely populated heart of the enclave. Mr Netanyahu confirmed earlier this month that the security cabinet had approved an operation to retake the city despite growing international condemnation.

Hamas says it has accepted a proposal from Arab mediators for a ceasefire in the 22-month war sparked by its 2023 attack into Israel.

Hamas has agreed to a cease-fire proposal calling for the terror group to free more than half of the remaining hostages in Gaza, including 10 living captives, in exchange for a 60-day truce,