Rocket attacks

For its part, Egypt would, with international help, try to shut down weapons smuggling routes on its boundary with Gaza and discussions on opening the crossings would take place at a later date.

Hamas insists any ceasefire must involve Israeli troops withdrawing from Gaza and an immediate lifting of the Israeli blockade. Hamas officials are expected to attend further talks on Saturday in Cairo.

Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev earlier told the BBC he thought Israel may have achieved enough in its three-week offensive to allow a ceasefire.