Israel and Hamas inch towards a renewed truce. Hostage release and border negotiations are underway

Hamas demands control over the list of hostages to be released and insists on a withdrawal of Israeli troops beyond a pre-set line. Conversely, Israel is open to accepting the list set by Hamas but insists on reviewing it before determining the terms and duration of the truce. They refuse to pull back troops beyond a particular line, says Reuters concerning anonymous sources.

Reportedly, Egypt and Qatar's representatives, who brokered the initial week-long truce and hostage exchange, seem eager to speed up humanitarian aid and open the Kerem Shalom border crossing before negotiating. Regrettably, the aid's prompt distribution was halted by inspections following the opening of the crossing.

The head of Israeli intelligence's recent communication with the Prime Minister of Qatar, hints at a possible cessation of hostilities, reported Reuters on Friday.

As per Israeli authorities, the Palestinian militant group Hamas continues to detain 134 hostages within the Gaza Strip, comprising 114 men and 20 women. Notably, the group includes two children and 10 senior citizens aged over 75.

Most of the captives are Israeli, with 11 being foreign nationals.

During the earlier truce, Hamas released 110 hostages, which consisted of 86 Israelis and 24 foreign nationals.