Meanwhile, reports from Gaza speak of a worsening humanitarian situation amid continued Israeli military activity.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to a US 'bridging proposal' for the release of hostages after a three-hour meeting with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Jerusalem. “The prime minister reiterated Israel's commitment to the current American proposal for the release of our hostages, which he strongly insists takes into account Israel's security needs,” Netanyahu's office said in a statement on Monday. The statement marked the first time Netanyahu publicly endorsed the latest US formula.

Blinken called his meeting with Netanyahu “very constructive” and said the Israeli prime minister had confirmed to him that Israel had accepted the bridging proposal.

“Hamas is now obligated to do the same. And then the parties, with the help of mediators – the United States, Egypt and Qatar – have to come together and complete the process of reaching a clear understanding on how they will implement their commitments under this agreement,” he said.

“But the next important step is for Hamas to say yes, and then for all the expert negotiators to come together to work on clear understandings on the implementation of the agreement,” Blinken added.

Earlier on Saturday, Israel had cautiously welcomed the new US proposal. The Prime Minister's Office said at the time that the proposal “contains elements acceptable to Israel”.

The US proposal enables the finalization of a ceasefire agreement for the hostages by the end of this week.

Meanwhile, Hamas rejected the US formula on Sunday night. In its statement, Hamas accused Netanyahu of “setting new conditions and demands” to thwart talks and prolong the war in Gaza.

The group further claimed that the latest US-backed text was in line with Israel's demands.