The new push by US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators to halt fighting in the battered enclave has gained pace since Sunday when parties involved began indirect talks in Doha and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set out to Washington.

Netanyahu met on Monday with US President Donald Trump, who said on the eve of their meeting that a ceasefire and hostage deal could be reached this week.  

The ceasefire proposal envisages a phased release of hostages, Israeli troop withdrawals from parts of Gaza and discussions on ending the conflict entirely.

Hamas has long demanded an end to the conflict before it would free remaining hostages; Israel has insisted it would not agree to end the fighting until all hostages are released and Hamas dismantled. At least 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza are believed to still be alive.