U.S. President Donald Trump's inner circle is advising him against a call with Vladimir Putin until the Russian president commits to a full ceasefire with Ukraine, NBC News reported on Thursday, citing administration officials.

Israel has launched a strike on Beirut for the second time in days, further testing the shaky ceasefire with Hezbollah struck four months ago.

Hamas ceasefire. They warn renewed bombing in Gaza jeopardizes the lives of the 24 remaining captives, who are believed to be alive.

Hamas decided not to respond or engage with Israel's counter-proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, an official told Reuters on Wednesday, affirming it is committed to the mediators' plan instead. Israel said on March 29 it conveyed to the mediators a counter-proposal in full coordination with the U.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb told Fox News that President Trump should impose an April 20 deadline for his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to agree a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Washington proudly announced on March 25 that it had brokered an agreement between Russia and Ukraine to "eliminate the use of force" in the sea after two days of talks in Saudi Arabia. Kyiv said it was ready to go,

"Two days ago, we received a proposal from the mediators in Egypt and Qatar," said Hamas chief, Khalil al-Hayya.

The French president will meet humanitarian and security workers next Tuesday in Arish, a transit point for international aid intended for Gaza.