An Israeli delegation led by the head of the country’s overseas intelligence agency arrived in Paris to “unblock” talks for a ceasefire in Gaza, an Israeli official said.

Mossad director David Barnea will be joined in the French capital by his counterpart at the domestic Shin Bet security agency, Ronen Bar, Israeli media reported.

A week-long ceasefire at the end of November saw the release of more than 100 hostages taken by Hamas and 240 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

A Hamas source confirmed the plan proposed a six-week pause in the conflict and the release of between 200 and 300 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 35 to 40 hostages still held by Hamas, AFP reports.

Since then, talks have also taken place in Egypt involving Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh. He left Cairo on Thursday evening, the Palestinian group said.