Dr. Aqsa Durrani, an American physician with 15 years of humanitarian aid experience, said her colleagues in Gaza are working in conditions that are "incomprehensible."

Israel is studying Hamas' response to a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire and release of half the hostages still held in Gaza, two Israeli officials said, although one source reiterated that all Israeli captives must be freed for the war to end.

Israel approved new settlements in the occupied West Bank, while its troops have reached the outskirts of Gaza City. The developments raise questions about the viability of a cease-fire proposal.

Hamas fighters claimed to have killed and injured Israeli troops in a major attack on Wednesday in southern Gaza. Ezzedine Al Qassam Brigades, Hamas's armed wing, said one fighter blew himself up in Khan Younis,