An end to assassinations and tunnels: The route to an Israeli-Gaza ceasefire

As hopes of a ceasefire grow, Kim Sengupta reports from Israel on what is being negotiated to secure an end to the fighting

(AFP via Getty Images)

Flickering hopes of a ceasefire in the latest conflict between Israel and Hamas, one of the most violent in recent years, have grown stronger with signals that the death and destruction might be coming to an end amid international pressure.

The Israeli military carried out around 15 attacks in Gaza early this morning as well as shelling by the navy, with Hamas responding with rocket fire. But this was followed by a long cessation of military action with the exception of isolated incidents.

The acceleration towards a possible truce came after Joe Biden told the Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday that he wanted “a significant de-escalation on the path to a ceasefire”. The US President had faced criticism, including from his own Democratic Party, for not speaking out as the death toll has continued to grow.