Negotiations on a Gaza ceasefire have resumed in Qatar. Israel said it would send a delegation. But Hamas indicated it would not.
Israel confirmed its participation after the United States, Egypt and Qatar jointly called on both sides to resume dialogue.
Reuters news agency said Hamas has expressed willingness to meet with mediators afterward — if they receive a serious response from Israel.
Health authorities in the Gaza Strip say the death toll in the conflict now exceeds 40,000.
Still, Israel Defense Forces Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi has pledged to keep ratcheting up pressure on Hamas until the remaining hostages are released.
Iran reportedly could launch an attack on Israel as early as this week in response to the recent killing of Hamas’ political leader in Tehran.
Iran has hinted it will decide on the timing and method after seeing how the ceasefire talks develop.