The Palestinian official outlined a three-phase plan which would see civilians and women soldiers held hostage in Gaza released in the first 45 days, with Israeli forces pulling out of city centres, the coastal road and the strategic strip of land along the border with Egypt.

Israeli officials say a ceasefire in Gaza is a more realistic prospect than at any time in the past year, suggesting a long-awaited deal to free hostages and boost aid to the beleaguered territory could be close.

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages have reportedly reached a critical juncture. A senior Palestinian official involved in the indirect discussions told newsmen that the talks are now in a “decisive and final phase.

Israel plans to maintain "security control" in the Gaza Strip even after a ceasefire, Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday. This means that, after dismantling the military and administrative capabilities of the Palestinian militant Hamas organization,

After months of deadlock, Israel and Hamas appear to be moving closer toward a ceasefire to end their 14-month war.

Israeli negotiators are holding talks with mediators in Doha over a ceasefire with Hamas and the release of hostages from Gaza, as diplomats push for a deal before Donald Trump takes office in January.