The Israeli government has rejected the proposal from John Kerry for a seven day humanitarian pause to the conflict:
Mr Kerry has been pushing for a halt to 18 days of fighting between Israel and Islamist group Hamas.
An Israeli official told Reuters that the cabinet wanted changes to the agreement before ending the offensive.
More than 800 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and 36 Israelis have died since the start of the conflict.
This weekend marks the end of Ramadan followed by the start of the three day festival of
Eid il-Fitr, one of the most significant celebrations in the Muslim calendar.
Literally the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," Eid al-Fitr is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations (the other occurs after the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca). At Eid al-Fitr people dress in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends and family.
A sense of generosity and gratitude colors these festivities. Although charity and good deeds are always important in Islam, they have special significance at the end of Ramadan. As the month draws to a close, Muslims are obligated to share their blessings by feeding the poor and making contributions to mosques.
Parents in Gaza would have tried to get presents for their children. Many now have none to treat.
11:58 AM PT: I have updated the title and wording of the diary as the Kerry plan was for an initial pause, not a full ceasefire.
12:26 PM PT: The BBC page is "dynamic" and is being updated. Portlaw copied and pasted this before it was removed:
An Israeli police spokesman said a lone cell not operating under Hamas leadership was responsible for the abduction and killing of three Israeli teens last month.
The BBC have also added that a complaint has been made to the International Criminal Court "on behalf of Palestine"
12:44 PM PT: Correction, Portlaw had cut and pasted from this link http://www.theguardian.com/...
1:08 PM PT: Also from the Guardian link, quoting AP:
The statement by Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon was published shortly after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced in Cairo late Friday that he has been unable to win agreement for a temporary weeklong cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.
In a statement by Yaalon's office, he is quoted as telling troops in the field that "you need to be ready for the possibility that very soon we will instruct the military to significantly broaden the ground operation in Gaza."