Rishi Sunak today urged Hamas to accept a new Gaza ceasefire deal, as families of Israeli hostages backed the plan to end the bloodshed.

US President Joe Biden outlined the three-phase proposal by Israel and also called for agreement over the plan to release hostages in exchange for an extended ceasefire in the war-torn strip.

But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned yesterday there would be no permanent ceasefire until Hamas’ abilities to govern and fight are destroyed.

Speaking on an election campaign stop in Redcar, North Yorks, Mr Sunak said: “I hope Hamas take this opportunity to conclude the deal that’s on the table.”

The PM said it will ensure the hostages can be released and that “we can flood Gaza with far more aid than we’ve been getting in”.

Outlining the deal on Friday, Mr Biden said Hamas is no longer capable of another large-scale attack on Israel. He urged both sides to reach an agreement over the release of an estimated 100 Israeli hostages.

After the President’s speech, hostage families said time was running out. “This might be the last chance to save lives,” said Gili Roman. His sister was freed in November. But her sister-in-law is still held by Hamas.

Sharone Lifschitz, whose mum was freed but whose dad is still captive, said: “We know the government of Israel has done an awful lot to delay reaching a deal and that has cost the lives of many people.”

In his statement, Mr Netanyahu said: “Israel’s conditions for ending the war have not changed – the destruction of Hamas military and governing capabilities, the freeing of all hostages and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.”

Ceasefire talks were stalled last month after mediators tried to halt an Israeli invasion of Rafah. Israel says its operation in the Gazan city is vital to uproot Hamas fighters responsible for the October 7 attack that triggered the war. On Friday it confirmed its troops were operating in central parts of the city.

Hamas killed about 1,200 people on October 7. More than 36,370 Palestinians are said to have died since Israel hit back.