A media report says more time is required for Israel and the Islamic group Hamas to reach an agreement that would lead to a pause in fighting in the Gaza Strip.

A report by Qatar-based Al Jazeera, citing Egyptian sources, estimates new negotiations would take at least 10 days before a truce begins as part of the first phase of the deal.

This comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday rejected a truce proposal by Hamas. The three-stage plan proposes a complete truce in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages held by the group.

Hamas said on Thursday that its delegation had arrived in Cairo to continue talks with Qatar and Egypt, the mediators of the negotiations.

The Israeli military announced on Thursday it is intensifying its offensive in the western part of Khan Younis in Gaza's south. Israel says Hamas has its key outpost in the city. Israel is also poised to expand its ground operation in the southern city of Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians have taken shelter.

Health authorities in Gaza said on Thursday that 130 people had died over the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 27,840.