Confusion surrounds information that Hamas has accepted an Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Initial reports that the armed group had given its backing to the truce have now been denied. It comes after 19 days of fighting in the Gaza Strip, where the Israeli army continues to pound Hamas targets with the aim of destroying the militant group. As the bloodshed continues, efforts continue in Cairo to try to reach an agreement. So far, both sides have rejected proposals for a truce. While Israel is demanding an end to rockets attacks on its territory and the flow of weapons to Hamas fighters, Hamas says there will be no ceasefire until Israel pulls out of Gaza. The death toll among Palestinians is now thought to have reached 1,000, half of whom are civilians. Thousands more have been injured and left without a roof over their head, running water or even food, fuelling fears of a looming humanitarian crisis.More about: Israel, Mideast

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