Hamas decided not to respond or engage with Israel's counter-proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, an official told Reuters on Wednesday, affirming it is committed to the mediators' plan instead.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had seized a corridor of land would could split one of Gaza’s largest city’s from the rest of the enclave.

Israel said it’s expanding military operations in Gaza, days after asking people in southern parts of the Palestinian territory to leave as it prepares for more intense fighting with Hamas.