The United States, which provides Israel with billions of dollars in military assistance, has said it wants a “clear and implementable plan” to ensure civilians are “out of harm’s way”. Gaza is facing the threat of famine, according to the UN, and many residents of the territory have faced displacement multiple times in recent months, AFP reports.

There has been no indication yet of where those crammed into Rafah could go, and any suggestion of Palestinian dispersal outside the Palestinian Territories is highly contentious in the Arab world.

A Hamas proposal for a truce calls for an Israeli withdrawal from “all cities and populated areas” in Gaza during a six-week truce and for more humanitarian aid, according to an official from the group.

International envoys were planning to meet in Qatar soon to revive stalled talks for a ceasefire and hostage release deal.

Israel plans to attend the talks, and a cabinet meeting meant to decide the delegation’s mandate took place on Sunday night, Netanyahu’s office said, though the outcome was not immediately known.