US offers ceasefire to Israel as preliminary concession, media reports

According to reports from the Wall Street Journal and Al-Arabiya, mediators in negotiations between Israel and Hamas have proposed that Israel agree to a brief ceasefire as a preliminary step before finalizing an agreement on the release of hostages.

This "gesture of goodwill" is also intended to facilitate increased humanitarian aid delivery to the northern Gaza Strip.

Earlier today, Hamas stated that Israel has not yet responded to the main demand - a complete cessation of hostilities.

Until Israel agrees to this, Hamas will not make any concessions.