Israel has long blamed Hamas for civilian and children deaths, arguing that the militant group uses innocent people as human shields.

Proposal, discussed in Washington recently, also stipulates new regime for Strip; hostages' relatives hail plan, but Hamas official swiftly rejects it as 'ridiculous' The post Israel offers to end war,

Palestinian officials say Israeli airstrikes killed 16 people Monday in the Gaza Strip, including five women and four children. Israel says it only targets militants and accuses Hamas and other armed groups of endangering civilians by operating in residential areas.