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.

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,

A key mediator on Tuesday stressed the urgency of brokering a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip after Hamas showed a “positive response” to a proposal from Arab countries, but Israel has yet to weigh in as its military prepares an offensive in some of the territory's most populated areas.

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.

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.

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 2023 attack into Israel.

A global hunger watchdog group declared famine in Gaza City. Meanwhile, President Trump accused Hamas of ‘extortion’ for still refusing to release all its hostages. NBC News’ Matt Bradley reports.