Palestinian militant groups say they are willing to declare a cease-fire if Israel is willing to do the same.
Leaders of Hamas, the Islamist faction that controls Gaza, met with Islamic Jihad and other groups and said they would respond according to the way Israel acted.
The offer came as Israeli officials are weighing a stronger response to four days of rocket strikes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told told foreign ambassadors that Israel would defend itself. He spoke during a visit to Ashkelon, a southern city that has been battered by Gaza rockets.
Palestinian officials said six Palestinians have been killed and dozens injured in Israeli strikes since the latest fighting began during the weekend. More than 110 rockets have hit Israeli towns in the latest round, the military said.