WASHINGTON: White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Thursday that reports of a move toward a cease-fire in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict were encouraging.

"We have seen reports of a move toward a potential ceasefire. That's clearly encouraging," Psaki told a regular news briefing.

Diplomatic moves towards a ceasefire in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict gathered pace on Thursday after U.S. President Joe Biden called for a de-escalation, but Israel threatened to step up strikes on Gaza as Hamas rocket fire resumed after a pause.