The Israeli Cabinet has postponed its approval of the ceasefire deal, accusing Hamas of backtracking. Hamas has denied the accusation. Israel's extreme-right security minister has threatened to quit.

Among the dead were six women and four children, health officials said, as negotiators try to conclude a deal to end the 15-month war.

Israel intensified strikes on Gaza hours after a ceasefire and hostage release deal was announced, residents and authorities in the Palestinian enclave said, as mediators sought to quell fighting ahead of the truce's start on Sunday.