Netanyahu says ready for Gaza 'temporary ceasefire'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday he was open to a "temporary ceasefire" in Gaza, as international pressure intensified over Israel's renewed offensive and aid blockade in the war-ravaged Palestinian territory.

"If there is an option for a temporary ceasefire to free hostages, we'll be ready," Netanyahu said, noting that at least 20 hostages were confirmed alive.

But he added the Israeli military aimed to bring all of Gaza under its control by the end of its current operation.

"We must avoid a humanitarian crisis in order to preserve our freedom of operational action," he said.

His remarks came hours after Israeli troops fired what the army called "warning shots" near a delegation of foreign diplomats visiting the occupied West Bank, triggering global condemnation and fresh diplomatic tension.

The Palestinian foreign ministry accused Israeli forces of "deliberately targeting by live fire an accredited diplomatic delegation" near the flashpoint city of Jenin.

A European diplomat said the group had travelled to the area to witness the destruction caused by months of Israeli military raids.

The Israeli army said "the delegation deviated from the approved route" and entered a restricted zone.

Troops opened fire to steer the group away, it said, adding no injuries were reported and expressing regret for the "inconvenience caused".

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called on Israel to investigate the shooting and to hold those responsible "accountable".

The incident came as anger mounted over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Palestinians are scrambling for basic supplies after weeks of near-total isolation.