Hamas has accepted an updated proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza presented by the Qatari and Egyptian mediators, two sources with knowledge of the talks tell Axios. Why it matters: This is part of a last-ditch effort to reach a deal and avoid a major new Israeli offensive to occupy Gaza City.

Hamas’s declared plan to relocate hostages into Gaza City to use them as human shields may present a serious deterrent to an IDF operation into the city, Lt.-Col. (Res.) Alon Eviatar, an expert in Palestinian affairs, said on Monday.

Few of the Israelis taken hostage in the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, have drawn as much attention as the Bibas family — two parents and two small children. For many Israelis, their abductions came to symbolize the brutality of the assault.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemns Hamas propaganda video showing severely emaciated Israeli hostage Evyatar David, calling it criminal Nazi abuse.

Hostage,” first published in Hebrew earlier this year, has become the fastest selling book in Israeli history.

A senior diplomatic official emphasized that Israel is committed to the release of all hostages, following Hamas’s agreement to only a partial deal for the release of 10 of the 20 living hostages.

A key mediator on Gaza is stressing the urgency of brokering a ceasefire after Hamas showed a "positive response" to a proposal.

RAFAH, Egypt (AP) — Hamas said Monday it has accepted a new proposal from Arab mediators for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip that would still need Israel’s approval, as Gaza’s Health Ministry said the Palestinian death toll from 22 months of war has passed 62,000.