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.

Protesters in Israel escalated their ongoing campaign on Sunday to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza.

Families of hostages held in Gaza are stepping up their campaign to secure their release by holding a strike across Israel.