Hostage deal refuted as Israel readies push into southern Gaza

China hosting foreign ministers of Islamic, Arab nations in bid to de-escalate conflict

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Israel is preparing to widen its offensive against Hamas militants and move into southern Gaza, as a tentative hostage release deal seems to have been prematurely announced.

This comes as China is opening up another venue to de-escalate the conflict, as it hosts on Nov 20 and 21 top foreign policy officials from the Palestinian Authority and four Muslim-majority countries.

They include the foreign ministers of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and Indonesia, as well as the secretary-general of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

"During the visit, China will have in-depth communication and coordination with the joint delegation of foreign ministers of Arab and Islamic countries to promote a de-escalation of the current Palestinian-Israeli conflict, protecting civilians, and justly resolving the Palestinian issue," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in a statement issued on Nov 19.

Israel and Hamas have not yet reached a deal on a temporary ceasefire, the White House and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Nov 18.

"No deal yet, but we continue to work hard to get a deal," Ms Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the White House's National Security Council, said in a statement.

Mr Netanyahu told a press conference on the evening of Nov 18: "Concerning the hostages, there are many unsubstantiated rumours, many incorrect reports. I would like to make it clear: As of now, there has been no deal. But I want to promise: When there is something to say, we will report to you about it."