Hamas accepts ceasefire proposal

Hamas says it has informed Qatari and Egyptian mediators that it has accepted their proposal for a new Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal with Israel.

"The ball is now in Israel's court," an official in the Palestinian group said.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said the proposal accepted by Hamas was "far from Israel's basic requirements" but negotiations would continue, reports BBC.

Earlier Israel carried out air strikes on Rafah after warning Palestinians to evacuate parts of the city.
It has long threatened an offensive against Hamas hold-outs in the southern city.

Tens of thousands of residents are believed to be affected by the operation and many were seen cramming into vehicles or on to donkey carts on Monday.

A Hamas official called the evacuation order for eastern parts of Rafah, which was followed by Israeli air strikes, a "dangerous escalation".