Tensions are rising in the Gaza Strip ahead of the first Friday prayers of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Ceasefire negotiations also remain stalled. Israel has dismissed a proposal by the Palestinian Islamic group Hamas.

Hamas posted a statement on social media on Friday. The group said it had presented a ceasefire proposal to Israel through Egypt and Qatar. Those two countries are serving as mediators.

Hamas proposed, among other things, that the Israeli military stop its operation and withdraw from Gaza.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office responded by saying that Hamas is continuing to hold onto "unrealistic demands."

Twenty-seven children have reportedly died of malnutrition in Gaza. This comes as the Israeli forces continue their military operation.

Local health authorities say residents in Gaza City, which is located in the northern part of the enclave, were attacked by Israel's forces as they waited for food and other supplies. They say 175 people had been taken to a hospital as of Thursday. The authorities noted that some of them had died.

To prevent trouble during the first Friday prayers of Ramadan, Israeli authorities are restricting the entry of Muslims into a mosque in Jerusalem's Old City.

Hamas is calling on people in Jerusalem and Arab nations to take action and protest against Israel.