Egypt, which is mediating a new Gaza truce between Israel and the Palestinians, called on the warring parties to begin observing a 72-hour ceasefire effective from 21:01 GMT Sunday.

"As the events continue to escalate in the Gaza Strip, and given the necessity to protect innocent blood, Egypt calls on both sides, Israelis and Palestinians, to commit to a 72-hour ceasefire effective Monday 00:01 Cairo time (21:01 GMT Sunday) ... and during this time work to reach a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire," a foreign ministry statement said.

Reuters mentioned on Sunday afternoon that Palestinian factions agreed to a new 72-hour Gaza ceasefire, Egyptian state television reported, quoting a Palestinian source.

However AFP mentioned that Israel is currently discussing an Egyptian proposal for a 72-hour truce, according to an Israeli official said Sunday after a Palestinian source claimed a deal had been reached.