It was unclear whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel was on board with the terms, which came as Qatar and Egypt were intensifying mediation efforts.

Hamas has accepted the latest proposal for a 60-day ceasefire with Israel that includes the return of half the hostages the group holds in Gaza and Israel's release of some Palestinian prisoners, an Egyptian official source said on Monday.

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

Israel is intensifying its strikes on Gaza City, the territory’s largest urban centre, as it plans to seize it.

Fearing an imminent Israeli ground offensive, thousands of Palestinians have left their homes in eastern areas of Gaza City, now under constant Israeli bombardment, for points to the west and south of the shattered territory.

Israel prepares for a population movement from combat zones to southern Gaza while Defense Minister Katz discusses comprehensive plan to defeat Hamas