Arab and U.S. mediators are holding intensive talks aimed at brokering a last-minute cease-fire between Israel and Hamas before the Israeli army launches a full-scale assault on Gaza City, according to Saudi state television and Israel’s Kan public broadcaster. Diplomats from Qatar and Egypt have floated a framework that would see all Israeli captives released and Israeli forces withdraw from the Gaza Strip. In return, Hamas would retain its weapons but commit not to use them, while handing administrative control of the territory to a Palestinian-Arab committee pending longer-term arrangements, people familiar with the discussions said. Kan News reported that Israel has indicated to Washington it could halt its military offensive if an agreement is reached. Mediators believe a deal remains possible and could avert Israel’s stated plan to occupy the enclave, which has already displaced large numbers of civilians during the 22-month conflict.