The United Nations warned that the humanitarian situation in Gaza was likely at its worst since the conflict began and that the population was again on the brink of famine.

The Maldives has banned Israeli passport holders from entering its territory, the president's office said on Wednesday, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza war, an allegation Israel has repeatedly denied.

According to a statement from the President's Office, the decision was made in direct response to “the ongoing atrocities and acts of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people. ”

Hamas is “studying” an Israeli proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza that would see 10 hostages released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, an official with the militant group told CNN.

Hamas said on Monday it was studying the proposal it received from mediators for a ceasefire in Gaza, adding it will submit its response "as soon as possible." Egypt earlier received an Israeli proposal for a ceasefire in the enclave,

Mediator Egypt has presented a new Israeli proposal for a Gaza ceasefire to Hamas, Egyptian state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV said on Monday, but a senior Hamas official said at least two elements of the proposal were non-starters.