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Last week, Hamas rejected an Israeli proposal for a 45-day ceasefire that called for the group's complete disarmament and the release of 10 of the 59 remaining hostages.

Israel's stated aim is the complete disarmament and destruction of Hamas.

On Tuesday, the group rejected Israel's proposal for a renewed ceasefire because it called for their disarmament and it did not commit to Israeli troops withdrawing from Gaza or an end to the war.

It is understood to be the first time that Israel has added Hamas disarmament as a condition for advancing a ceasefire - a red line for the group.

But international donors are believed to be insisting on the disarmament of Hezbollah and political reform – conditions that appear a distant prospect.