Israel ponders latest Hamas ceasefire bid

World waits on decision that could end war

- BY ANDY LINES

ISRAEL is expected to respond to the latest Gaza ceasefire plan by the end of the week, amid hopes peace could be close.

Hamas has already accepted the proposals, put forward by Qatar and Egypt, in a bid to stop Benjamin Netanyahu' full occupancy of the war-torn Strip.

But it was last night unclear what decision the Israeli PM will make over the plan. It includes a 60-day ceasefire to exchange half the remaining living and dead hostages in Gaza for 150 Palestinians held in Israel jails, some serving life.