Hamas said Friday it was holding consultations with other Palestinian factions on a proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, where the civil defense agency said Israel's ongoing offensive killed more than 50 people.
The statement came ahead of a visit on Monday by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington, where President Donald Trump is pushing for an end to the war now in its 21st month.
The conflict in Gaza began with Hamas' unprecedented attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which sparked a massive Israeli offensive aimed at destroying Hamas and bringing home all the hostages seized by militants.
Two previous ceasefires brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States have seen temporary halts in fighting, coupled with the return of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas said in a statement early Friday it was "conducting consultations with leaders of Palestinian forces and factions regarding the proposal received... from the mediators".
Hours earlier, Netanyahu vowed to bring home all the hostages held by militants in Gaza, after coming under massive domestic pressure over their fate.
"I feel a deep commitment, first and foremost, to ensure the return of all our abductees, all of them," Netanyahu said.
Trump said on Thursday he wanted "safety for the people of Gaza".
"They've gone through hell," he said.