An Israeli source, while briefing the press on the ongoing talks, said, "If a truce is reached, the offensive preparations will be abandoned in favour of a "period of sustained calm" during which a few dozen hostages taken by Hamas will be in exchange for Palestinian inmates.

President Joe Biden's administration is reportedly concerned about strikes taking place within Israel, especially targeting 'military or intelligence targets, rather than civilians.'

Israeli forces have continued their operations against Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) militants entrenched in Gaza City's Shifa Hospital and in Khan Yunis, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported on Wednesday morning.

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu engaged in a critical conversation, marking a potential shift in strategy regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Negotiations aimed at brokering a cease-fire between Hamas and Israel in Egypt concluded on Tuesday with no significant progress, according to a Hamas official.

The U.S. Central Command and the Royal Jordanian Air Force conducted a combined humanitarian assistance airdrop into Gaza.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak delivered a passionate address on Friday evening, urging Britain to safeguard its democracy amid concerns of rising extremism.

President Joe Biden has expressed his desire to broker a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas by next Monday. Talks are underway in Qatar, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, aimed at easing tensions and facilitating aid to Gaza, where millions are facing food shortages.

Law enforcement personnel responded swiftly, using fire extinguishers to extinguish the flames.

Expressing "disappointment" with Israel's settlement plans, Blinken emphasised the long-standing US position, upheld by both Republican and Democratic administrations, that these settlements "hamper efforts to achieve lasting peace." 

Despite international pressure to protect Palestinian civilians in the southern city, Israel remains steadfast in its stance.

Israel found itself grappling with a severe labour shortage after numerous foreign workers, including thousands from Thailand, returned home due to Tel Aviv's airstrike campaign in Gaza, resulting in the tragic loss of 25,000 Palestinian lives over 100 days.