Hamas says it has accepted a proposal from Arab mediators for a ceasefire in the 22-month war sparked by its Oct. 7, 2023, attack into Israel. Israel has not yet responded and says it is still committed to defeating the militant group.

A key mediator on Tuesday stressed the urgency of brokering a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip after Hamas showed a “positive response” to a proposal from Arab countries, but Israel has yet to weigh in as its military prepares an offensive in some of the territory's most populated areas.

Israel is studying Hamas' response to a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire and release of half the hostages still held in Gaza, two Israeli officials said, although one source reiterated that all Israeli captives must be freed for the war to end.

President Trump appeared to cast doubt on such talks. 'We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!! The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be,

The proposal from regional mediators would see Israeli hostages released in two batches during a 60-day truce, according to a Palestinian official.

Israel’s ongoing bombardment of Gaza, where starvation is rampant, has prompted outcry from global leaders. France, Australia and Canada are among a growing number of countries that have called for Palestinian statehood. The United Kingdom said it will agree to recognize Palestine as a state if Israel does not accept a ceasefire deal.

It was unclear whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel was on board with the terms, which came as Qatar and Egypt were intensifying mediation efforts.

Hamas says it has accepted a proposal from Arab mediators for a ceasefire in the 22-month war sparked by its 2023 attack into Israel.

A global hunger watchdog group declared famine in Gaza City. Meanwhile, President Trump accused Hamas of ‘extortion’ for still refusing to release all its hostages. NBC News’ Matt Bradley reports.