It comes a day after Hamas said it accepted a proposal for a 60-day truce, during which around half of the 50 hostages would be freed.

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

Israel’s ongoing bombardment of Gaza, where starvation is rampant, has prompted outcry from global leaders. France, Australia and Canada are among a growing number of countries that have called for Palestinian statehood. The United Kingdom said it will agree to recognize Palestine as a state if Israel does not accept a ceasefire deal.

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

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 says it has accepted a new proposal from Arab mediators for a ceasefire in Gaza that would still need Israel’s approval.

Hamas says it has accepted a proposal from Arab mediators for a ceasefire in the 22-month war sparked by its Oct. 7, 2023, attack into Israel. Israel has not yet responded and says it is still committed to defeating the militant group.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee says he blames a recent breakdown in Gaza ceasefire talks on the decision by some European leaders to recognize Palestinian statehood