Israel and Hamas on Wednesday accused each other of obstructing negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, after Israel withdrew its negotiators from the talks the previous day. Israeli media reported on Wednesday that the refusal by the Palestinian Islamist militia Hamas to hand over a list of the names of the hostages it still holds is hindering progress in the negotiations.

Talks to reach a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas are 90% complete, but key issues remain that need to be bridged, a senior Palestinian official involved in the talks told the BBC.

U.S. and Arab mediators are working around the clock to hammer out a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, sources close to the talks said, while in the Gaza Strip medics said Israeli strikes had killed 44 Palestinians on Thursday.

U.S. officials say both Hamas and Israel are making concessions toward securing a deal, but tempered optimism with differences remaining on key issues.

Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip - 16, 2024 The ongoing talks on ceasefire in Gaza have gained momentum, as Hamas announced on Saturday that leaders of three Palestinian factions believe a ceasefire agreement is "closer than ever" if Israel refrains from imposing new conditions.

Hamas and two other Palestinian militant groups said on Saturday that a Gaza ceasefire deal with Israel is “closer than ever”, provided Israel does not impose new conditions. Last week, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas mediated by Qatar,