As Israel expands operations in the enclave, Gazans increasingly voice defiance against Hamas, with dissenters risking their lives to demand freedom from the group’s grip.

The new proposal comes amid discussions on evacuating the residents of Gaza City, which is expected to take three months, including discussions on what can be expected during such an operation. Qatar and Egypt expect to complete the latest formulation of a ceasefire-hostage deal proposal next week.

Al-Arabiya reports that Egypt is working to finalize a comprehensive ceasefire deal in Gaza, expected by the end of August.

Sources say Cairo's position marks a dramatic shift in its approach to the Palestinian movement and mediation conditions

Arab and Muslim states including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt have for the first time issued a joint call for Hamas to disarm and relinquish power in the Gaza Strip as part of efforts to end the war in the territory.

I t was born as the Islamic Resistance Movement. It is more usually known by its Arabic acronym, Hamas. But talks taking place in Cairo could determine whether the Palestinian militants drop the middle word, abandon their 22-month war in Gaza against Israel and reinvent themselves as a political party.

Arab nations are calling on Hamas to disarm, bring about an immediate end to the war in Gaza and eventually allow the Palestinian Authority to take over the Strip.

A Hamas delegation is currently in Egypt for negotiations; Palestinian Authority leader to arrive early next week.