Gaza ceasefire bid shows signs of revival even as Israel hits enclave

Israel said to be studying Hamas’ response to proposal that includes hostages’ release

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Signs of renewed activity in the quest for a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza war emerged on July 3, even as Israel launched more strikes on the devastated enclave.

After weeks with little public diplomacy, mediators Egypt and Qatar delivered a response from Hamas to a proposal that would include a release of hostages held in Gaza and a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave.

Israel is studying the document, said a statement released by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on behalf of the Mossad spy agency.

Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been trying for months to secure a truce and the release of 120 remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza, but their efforts have failed so far.

Hamas says any deal must end the war and bring a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Israel says it will accept only temporary pauses in the fighting until Hamas is eradicated.

Israel is examining the response and will respond to the mediators," the Mossad statement said without further details.

Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that rules Gaza, said in a statement that its leader Ismail Haniyeh has had calls with Qatari and Egyptian mediators around ideas to reach a deal to end the war in Gaza, as well as communication with Turkish officials.

The New York Times reported that Israel's top generals want a Gaza ceasefire even if it keeps Hamas in power for the time being, widening a rift between the military and Mr Netanyahu, who has opposed a truce that would let Hamas survive.