Hamas is proposing the release of foreign (non-Israeli) hostages in exchange for a five-day ceasefire, a senior Al Barakeh official told the Financial Times. He clarified that there will be additional terms for the release of Israeli civilians, while no Israeli soldiers will be released.

“Hamas will not release any Israeli soldiers,” Mr. Barakeh clarified. “We are holding them for (prisoner) exchange,” said the top Arab official living in exile abroad.

“Anyone who sincerely and genuinely cares about the lives of citizens should to demand the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. Perfect”, however, a senior Israeli official said, rejecting Hamas’ proposal.

Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, asked the whole world “to take immediate action” in order to stop the Israeli bombardment which intensified significantly tonight in this enclave.

“We call on Arab and Muslim countries and the international community to take responsibility and act now to stop the crimes and slaughter of our people,” the organization said in a statement.

Earlier, the Israeli military spokesman announced that the Air Force and ground forces were intensifying their operations in the Gaza Strip. “In the last few hours we have intensified the attacks on Gaza,” said Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, speaking on Israeli television.

According to Haggari, the Air Force is launching strikes in Hamas tunnels and other infrastructure.

“In addition to the attacks carried out in recent days, the ground forces are expanding their operations tonight,” he added, without specifying whether this would be the start of the Israeli army’s ground operations in Gaza.