Qatar has stressed the urgency of brokering a ceasefire in Gaza 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 densely populated areas.

Qatar confirms that Hamas has responded positively to a Gaza ceasefire proposal, including a 60-day truce. Israel has not responded yet. At least eight people were killed in Israeli attacks on tents housing displaced people in Khan Younis, and four more in an attack on a tent in Deir el-Balah.

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