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

Palestinians say there is nowhere to flee after 22 months of war that already killed more than 62,000 people and destroyed much of the territory. Many Israelis fear the offensive will further endanger the living hostages still in Gaza.

Majed al-Ansari, a spokesperson for Qatar's Foreign Ministry, said Hamas agreed to terms under discussion. He didn't provide details but said the proposal was "almost identical" to one advanced by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff for a 60-day ceasefire and release of

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