ceasefire

He did not provide further details, though speculation has been mounting that a ceasefire deal could be close.

The former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair has been involved in discussions about running a transitional authority in Gaza if there is a ceasefire, the BBC understands.

The only time that aid agencies and commercial shippers were able to get in adequate supplies was during the ceasefire that started on 19 January this year.

A ceasefire in Gaza is not in sight.

The Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, posted: "It will only bring more bloodshed, kill more innocent civilians and endanger the remaining hostages. We need an immediate ceasefire, all hostages released, unrestricted humanitarian aid and a path to lasting peace."