Hamas has endorsed a new proposal for a ceasefire deal with Israel in Gaza, as it faces pressure from Arab countries and seeks to ensure its own survival.

A key mediator on Tuesday stressed the urgency of brokering a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip after Hamas showed a “positive response” to a proposal from Arab countries, but Israel has yet to weigh in as its military prepares an offensive in some of the territory's most populated areas.

Satellite images taken over and around Gaza City point to preparations for the expanded military operation and show signs internally displaced people are already fleeing.

Israel said Wednesday its military had entered the first stages of a planned assault on the city, a campaign it begins while clashing publicly with major Western powers.

TOKYO (Reuters) -United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, after Israel announced the first steps of an operation to take over Gaza City.