Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets President Donald Trump in Washington to discuss a potential ceasefire in Gaza. The U.S.

But it added: "In light of an assessment of the situation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed that the invitation to proximity talks be accepted and that the contacts for the return of our hostages - on the basis of the Qatari proposal that Israel has agreed to - be continued. The negotiating team will leave tomorrow."

Israel has accepted the latest Gaza ceasefire and hostage release proposal, according to an Israeli official, who said Wednesday the updated framework provides stronger US assurances about ending the war.