Reports that Israel and Hamas 'close to ceasefire deal'

There are reports that Israel and Hamas are close to a ceasefire deal to end fighting.

BBC News reports that Israel has informed Egyptian mediators it will agree to end military action.

There has been no official confirmation of this from Israel where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting his security cabinet.

Both sides are facing international pressure to end hostilities.

The Israeli security cabinet will vote on a proposed unilateral ceasefire that would take effect within 24 hours.

At least 232 people, including more than 100 women and children, have been killed in Gaza so far, according to its Hamas-controlled health ministry.

Israel has said at least 150 militants are among those killed in Gaza.

BBC News reports Hamas does not give casualty figures for fighters.

In Israel, 12 people, including two children, have been killed.

Israel says some 4,000 rockets have been fired towards its territory by militants in Gaza.

[Source: BBC]