HAMAS has said it will release 10 hostages amid ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire deal for war-torn Gaza. The Islamist terror group’s statement came after four days of indirect talks

Israel, meanwhile, demands Hamas 'lay down its arms,' the official said, and will only 'offer a temporary ceasefire' otherwise before the military will 'proceed with military operations'

Trump met Netanyahu on Tuesday for the second time in two days to discuss the situation in Gaza, with the president's Middle East envoy indicating that Israel and Hamas were nearing an agreement on a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal after 21 months of war.

The U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas envisages a phased release of hostages, Israeli troop withdrawals from parts of Gaza and discussions on ending the conflict, an official familiar with the negotiations has said.

"The conversation with President Trump can definitely help advance that result which we are all hoping for," Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday.

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — An Israeli report released Tuesday said that Hamas used sexual violence as a “tactical weapon of war” in its Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, building on other investigations by international and Israeli rights groups and the United Nations.

Israel and Hamas near Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release deal, with potential U.S. involvement, amid ongoing conflict and negotiations.

CAIRO (Reuters) -Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump focused on efforts to free hostages held in Gaza, stressing his determination to "eliminate" the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas.