President Trump appeared to cast doubt on such talks. 'We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!! The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be,

Senior Hamas official Basem Naim confirmed the group's approval on Facebook. Hamas said other Palestinian factions informed mediators of their approval also.

Israeli forces blew up houses in southern Gaza City, while heavy fire was reported in the al-Tuffah neighbourhood in eastern Gaza City, Al Jazeera correspondents said, bringing the death toll since dawn to 21.

Hamas has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire proposal with Israel that includes the return of half the hostages held in Gaza and Israel’s release of some Palestinian prisoners, an Egyptian official source said.

Many Israelis fear that plans for a new military offensive in some of Gaza’s most populated areas could further endanger the remaining hostages.

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 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

Large crowds of Israelis took to the streets on Sunday, launching a nationwide grassroots strike and widespread protests to demand the government secure the release of 50 hostages still in Gaza.