Egypt and Hamas are close to a deal for a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group in Gaza, where the death toll from the Israeli offensive exceeded 1,000, officials said.

Israeli troops raided the northern Gaza Strip today, killing at least nine Palestinians, including the son of a senior Hamas leader and three civilians, in an operation against rocket squads.

Israel’s Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said he authorised the army to do whatever it takes to halt Palestinian rocket fire, but warned his Cabinet there was no quick solution.