The ball is now in Israel’s court. We would like a positive response from them as soon as possible," Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told NBC News.

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday authorised a military plan to seize Gaza City and approved the mobilisation of nearly 60,000 reservists. The decision comes even as international mediators await Israel’s formal reply to a ceasefire framework backed by Hamas.

Displaced residents of Gaza City are split over a potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas that could allow them to return to their homes.

Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shifted Israel’s stance and demanded the release of all 50 remaining hostages at once. The move coincided with Netanyahu’s declaration that Israel intends to occupy Gaza City and other areas of the territory in an effort to ratchet up pressure on the group.

Official says plan would see 60-day ceasefire, hostage release in two phases; Qatari PM reportedly traveling to Egypt to meet with Hamas representatives, Egyptian president