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.

Cairo convened Palestinian factions and staged a show of unity. Every group but Hamas backed the partial deal, leaving it isolated in the very room where it once claimed leadership.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel said Friday it will intensify its 22-month war with Hamas by taking over Gaza City, drawing a dismissal from the militant group and renewed international calls to end the conflict, while stirring fears for Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.

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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanayahu is expected to give final approval for plans to take over Gaza City in an operation that could begin within days

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

President Donald Trump wants a Nobel Peace Prize but can’t seem to remember where he’s brought peace. During his sit-down with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, Trump repeated his boast that he’s ended six wars since January. But he went blank when trying to name the country involved in one of those peace deals.

JERUSALEM (AP) — A key mediator on Tuesday stressed the urgency of brokering a ceasefire in Gaza after Hamas showed a “positive response” to a proposal, but Israel has yet to weigh in as its military prepares an offensive on some of the territory’s most populated areas.

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