Hamas has proposed releasing more hostages under a new Gaza ceasefire deal after new negotiations were held yesterday. The talks began hours after Israel’s military launched a major new offensive in the Gaza Strip. A Palestinian official told reporters that Hamas has agreed to release nine hostages in exchange for a 60-day truce and Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners. The official said the new proposed deal would also allow the entry of 400 aid trucks a day and the evacuation of medical patients from Gaza. Israel, in turn, has demanded proof of life and detailed information about all remaining hostages.

The new round of ceasefire talks is being held through Qatari and US mediators in Doha and began yesterday afternoon local time. Israel is yet to respond publicly to the proposed deal but said prior to the talks that it would not withdraw troops from Gaza or commit to an end to the war.