The death toll in the Gaza Strip exceeds more than 40,000 in the 11 months since fighting between Israel and Hamas broke out on October 7 last year.

The prospects for a ceasefire including the release of hostages remain slim.

Israel and Hamas have suspended fighting from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. for at least three days since Thursday in southern areas of Gaza. The move was to allow health workers to vaccinate children against polio.

Israeli troops maintained their attacks at other times of the day. NHK footage on Friday shows people including a small child being transported to a hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis after an airstrike.

Health authorities in Gaza say the death toll as of Thursday stood at 40,878.

The United States plans to present a new proposal for a ceasefire with countries including Egypt and Qatar, which have been acting as mediators.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited Israel on Friday and called for more progress with the talks, adding that military pressure endangers the lives of the hostages.

Calls for Israel to reach an agreement are growing inside the country. Large protests are a daily occurrence.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israeli troops must remain at key strategic positions in Gaza. Hamas has been demanding a complete withdrawal.

(責任編輯：comprehensive)