The armed wing of Hamas has accused Israel of blocking a deal in talks for a temporary ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, AFP reports.

Abu Obaida, spokesman for the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, said in a video statement that Hamas “always proposed a comprehensive deal that will return all the hostages at once”.

But he said Israel “rejected what we proposed”, urging it to reconsider.

“If the enemy remains obstinate in this round of negotiations, we cannot guarantee a return to the partial-deal proposals — including the 10-prisoner [hostage] exchange offer,” he added.