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.

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.

Hamas officials said they have accepted a ceasefire proposal that includes a pause in military operations for 60 days and the release of 28 Israeli hostages — 18 of whom are believed to be dead — in e