More and more Palestinians are calling on Hamas to step down and end the war with Israel that has devastated their home land, with the terror group allegedly executing its critics, according to

The decision this week by Hamas to accept a proposed ceasefire deal with Israel comes amid heightened pressure on the group from Arab governments and other Palestinian factions, which are eager to avert a planned Israeli invasion of Gaza City.

Hamas' Monday announcement came after months of U.S. pressure on Israel for a cease-fire and as U.S. officials signaled their disapproval with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Rafah invasion plans.

Hamas gave initial approval for a U.S.-backed phased cease-fire plan. In Gaza, officials say an Israeli airstrike on a shelter killed at least 16 people.

Many human rights groups and protesters are calling for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. The U.S. and Israel are both opposed to one, but appear far apart on the question of humanitarian pauses.

The White House has said it has "every expectation" that Israel will, if Hamas does, accept the U.S.-backed cease-fire plan that Biden unveiled in a surprise speech last week.

Saudi media reports that Gaza's terror groups are considering moving the living hostages to Gaza City in an effort to stop Israel from conquering the city. Israeli sources dismiss reports as propaganda.

Israel had accepted a similar ceasefire package presented last month by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, but as the Gaza City offensive progresses, it