Pakistan, July 5 -- Hamas has announced its readiness to begin talks "immediately" on a Gaza ceasefire based on a US-backed plan. The statement followed consultations with other Palestinian factions and marked a potential shift in the ongoing 21-month conflict. Hamas expressed willingness to negotiate a mechanism to implement the truce proposal. Meanwhile, Israel has yet to make a decision and is expected to discuss the matter after the Jewish sabbath.

Prime Minister Netanyahu is preparing for a key meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington. Trump is pushing to end the Gaza war, which has killed thousands and displaced many more. On Saturday alone, Gaza's civil defence reported 32 more deaths from Israeli military operations. ...