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.

With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yet to make a decision on a temporary ceasefire proposal, maneuvers are underway around the Gaza Strip's largest city, which the army calls a Hamas 'stronghold.' More than 120,

Israel has begun the "first stages of the attack on Gaza City" on Wednesday as it plans to call up to 50,000 to 60,000 reservists in order to occupy the city, according to Israel Defense Forces spokesman Eddie Defrin and an Israeli military official.

An Egyptian presidency statement said Sisi and Sheikh Mohammed affirmed the importance of continuing their joint efforts, in coordination with the US, “to reach an agreement that guarantees an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip that allows the immediate and unhindered access to humanitarian aid, as well as the release of hostages.”

Israel hammered Gaza City and its outskirts overnight, residents said Thursday, as the military announced it had taken initial steps in its push to capture Hamas's last major stronghold. Gaza City residents described relentless bombardments overnight.

Geneva: UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric called for enabling humanitarian workers to deliver humanitarian aid at scale in the Gaza Strip. To

The UN Human Rights Office warned "the risk of starvation is everywhere in Gaza", as scenes of desperation played out in Khan Younis following an aid drop.