Israel has rejected an American proposal for a temporary pause in the Gaza conflict.

Media in Jerusalem report the country’s Security Cabinet has unanimously rejected the proposal co-brokered by Egypt and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

The proposal on the table was for a seven day “humanitarian truce” in the fighting.

John Kerry spoke at a Friday evening press conference in Cairo – after days of shuttling between the Egyptian capital, Jerusalem and the West Bank – trying to work out a deal.

Kerry said a truce would provide seven days to work out further talks to address each side’s demands. He said some “terminology” on a truce’s framework still needed work.

Israeli media say Israel’s Security Cabinet rejected the plan in its current form.

After Kerry’s comments Israel’s defence minister announced that Israel may soon significantly increase its ground operation in the Gaza Strip.