Mediation underway as fighting rages

CAIRO/RAFAH/JERUSALEM — Mediation efforts were underway to achieve a cease-fire in the Gaza conflict, as Israeli forces pounded Rafah from the air and ground overnight and tanks tried to advance further west.

Egypt has received a positive response from Hamas indicating it looks forward to reaching a ceasefire, Egypt's Al-Qahera News TV reported on Thursday, citing a high-ranking security source.

"Hamas leaders informed us it has been studying seriously and positively a truce proposal," the source said, without specifying if the proposal was by the United States or Israel.