Hamas has endorsed a new proposal for a ceasefire deal with Israel in Gaza, as it faces pressure from Arab countries and seeks to ensure its own survival. The latest news on the war between Israel and the militant group Hamas, including reporting from the Middle East and analysis of the impact of the escalating Israel-Gaza conflict globally and... Follow the latest on the war between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. Get live updates, reports, analysis and more on Reuters. The war began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups launched a surprise attack on Israel, in which 1,195 Israelis and foreign nationals, including 815 civilians, were killed. 251 were taken hostage with the stated goal of forcing Israel to release Palestinian prisoners.