A top Hamas official told AFP that the Palestinian fighter group was ready to discuss a hostage deal and an end to the Gaza bombardment without a “complete and permanent ceasefire”.

“Hamas had previously required that Israel agree to a complete and permanent ceasefire,” the official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“This step was bypassed, as the mediators pledged that as long as the prisoner negotiations continued, the ceasefire would continue,” he added.