The leaders of the Group of Seven countries have announced their full support for a ceasefire agreement outlined by US President Joe Biden for Gaza.
A statement released on Monday says, "We, the Leaders of the Group of Seven, fully endorse and will stand behind the comprehensive deal" that would lead to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. It says the deal would also lead to "the release of all hostages, a significant and sustained increase in humanitarian assistance" and "an enduring end to the crisis."
The statement says the G7 is calling on Hamas to accept the deal and is urging "countries with influence over Hamas to help ensure that it does so."
Biden revealed his three-phase deal on Friday, which includes a six-week ceasefire and the release of hostages.
Hamas initially announced that it viewed the deal positively. But media outlets in the Middle East reported on Monday that the Hamas side was demanding a guarantee of a permanent ceasefire.
The White House said Biden spoke on the phone on Monday with Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, who is mediating negotiations. It said Biden "urged Amir Tamim to use all appropriate measures to secure Hamas' acceptance of the deal and affirmed that Hamas is now the only obstacle to a complete ceasefire."
In Israel, far-right members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Cabinet are protesting, saying that they should not easily compromise. It remains to be seen whether progress will be made in negotiations.
Meanwhile, Palestinian media reports say an attack on a refugee camp in central Gaza resulted in multiple casualties, including the deaths of three civilians. They say a nighttime attack also wounded five people.
Gaza health authorities said on Monday that the total number of fatalities now stands at 36,479.
And Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari announced on Monday that the deaths of four male hostages, including three in their 80s, were confirmed.