But the country is highly likely to return to the efforts if both Israel and Hamas show ‘serious political willingness’ to reach a deal, according to an official with Egypt, the other key mediator.

Israel has carried out airstrikes in Syria multiple times over the past year, but it has not previously made public any ground forays into Syria.

Israel has escalated its airstrikes and waged a bigger ground operation in northern Gaza in recent weeks, saying it is focused on rooting out Hamas militants who have regrouped after more than a year of war.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said his country’s proposal also includes the release of some Palestinian prisoners and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip.

The strikes risk pushing the archenemies closer to all-out war at a time of spiraling violence across the Middle East.