Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has again rejected the prospect of a ceasefire in Gaza.

A source close to Hamas earlier said talks were underway for the release of a dozen hostages held by the Islamists, including six Americans, in return for a three-day ceasefire in Gaza.

However, Netanyahu reiterated that there will be no ceasefire without the release of its hostages.

Meanwhile, the second in command of Hezbollah – the powerful Iranian backed militia in Lebanon – Sheikh Naim Qassem, has said Israel’s killing of civilians in Gaza risks wider war in the Middle East.

Speaking in an interview in Beirut, Qassem said “very serious and very dangerous developments could occur in the region, and no-one would be able to stop the repercussions”, just as the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said more than 10,000 people had been killed there.