Families of hostages held in Gaza protested against Israel’s decision to launch an attack in Rafah, fearing it would cause more delay to a ceasefire agreement. Israeli troops seized control of Gaza’s Rafah border crossing hours after an announcement by Hamas leaders that they would accept a recent proposal for a ceasefire put forward by Qatari and Egyptian mediators. Any truce would be the first pause in the fighting since a week-long ceasefire in November during which Hamas freed about half of its 240 hostages. Israeli officials have accused Hamas of ‘grandstanding’ while Hamas said Israel was trying to undermine efforts to end the war. However indirect talks are due to restart in Cairo. Israel launches Rafah offensive it says is start of mission to ‘eliminate’ Hamas Thousands rally across Israel calling for Netanyahu to accept ceasefire deal