Israel is studying Hamas' response to a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire and release of half the hostages still held in Gaza, two Israeli officials said, although one source reiterated that all Israeli captives must be freed for the war to end.

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.

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.

The proposition the militant group said it agreed to was nearly the same as one that had been offered by Israel last month.

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

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.

Israel is calling up 60,000 reservists. Is it a negotiating tactic to pressure Hamas, or will troops begin moving into Gaza City? WSJ deputy Middle East bureau chief Shayndi Raice breaks it down.

Hamas accepted the latest proposal for a Gaza ceasefire amid urging from Arab officials and other Palestinian factions, which want to avert Israeli escalation.