Aid agencies rush supplies into Gaza as fragile cease-fire holds for now.
Hamas said that mediators between the two sides were working “to remove obstacles and close gaps” after the cease-fire deal hit a roadblock.
Hamas suggested on Thursday that progress was being made in “positive” talks to bolster the teetering cease-fire with Israel, appearing to signal that an impasse was nearing its end and that hostages could be released this weekend. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli government on Hamas’s latest remarks.
Officials across the region had feared the fragile truce was at risk amid finger-pointing between Israel and Hamas. Earlier this week, Hamas argued that Israel was not upholding its end of the deal and indefinitely postponed the release of Israeli hostages set to be freed on Saturday.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Rawan Sheikh Ahmad contributed reporting.
Lara Jakes, based in Rome, reports on diplomatic and military efforts by the West to support Ukraine in its war with Russia. She has been a journalist for nearly 30 years. More about Lara Jakes