Negotiations on a Gaza ceasefire are expected to restart in Qatar on Thursday. Israel says it will send a delegation, while Hamas has indicated it will not take part.

Israel confirmed its participation on Wednesday after the United States, Egypt and Qatar jointly called on both sides to resume negotiations.

Reuters news agency said Hamas has expressed willingness to meet with mediators afterward if they receive a serious response from Israel.

Meanwhile, health authorities in the Gaza Strip said on Wednesday the death toll in the conflict has almost reached 40,000.

Israel Defense Forces Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, has pledged to keep ratcheting up pressure on Hamas until the remaining hostages are released.

Iran reportedly could launch an attack on Israel as early as this week in response to the killing of Hamas' political leader while he was visiting the country.

Tehran, however, has hinted it will decide on the timing and method of such an attack after seeing how the ceasefire talks develop.