Groups representing families of hostages organized the demonstrations as frustration grows in Israel over plans for a new military offensive in some of Gaza's most populated areas.

A senior Iranian political official told state media that an IDF strike on an Iranian national security council meeting was an attempt on Pezeshkian's life. Israel tried to assassinate Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the 12-day war in June, according to Mohsen Haji-Mirzaei, Pezeshkian’s chief of staff.

CAIRO (Reuters) -Fearing an Israeli onslaught could come soon, some Palestinian families began leaving eastern areas of Gaza City, now under constant Israeli bombardment, for points to the west and some explored evacuating further south.

Also, Shelby County Commissioners delayed a vote on election cycle changes to the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board.

Hamas' meetings with Egyptian officials will focus on ways to stop the war, deliver aid, and "end the suffering of our people in Gaza," Hamas official Taher al-Nono said in a statement.

Ohad Ben Ami was held captive for 491 days in a tunnel in Gaza where he was starved and endured physical and psychological abuse.

Hamas said on Sunday it was prepared to co-ordinate with the Red Cross to deliver aid to hostages it holds in Gaza if Israel meets certain conditions, after a video it released showing an emaciated captive drew sharp criticism from Western powers.

As Israel expands operations in the enclave, Gazans increasingly voice defiance against Hamas, with dissenters risking their lives to demand freedom from the group’s grip.