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The Palestinian movement Hamas has agreed to release 33 Israeli hostages as part of the first stage of a ceasefire deal with Israel, the Saudi broadcaster Al Hadath reported on Saturday, citing sources.
France's foreign minister arrived in Cairo on Wednesday on an unscheduled stop during a Middle East tour as efforts to secure a truce between Israel and Hamas and the release of hostages in Gaza reach a critical point. Diplomatic efforts towards securing a ceasefire were intensifying following a renewed push led by Egypt to revive stalled negotiations between Israel and Hamas, Gaza's ruling Palestinian Islamist group.
Diplomats believe Israel and Hamas are edging towards an agreement that could see a temporary end to hostilities.
A flotilla aimed at carrying aid to war-hit Gaza has been blocked in Turkey, as Guinea-Bissau withdrew its flagged vessels.
Hamas confirmed it is studying Israel's new truce proposal, as more Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes in Rafah and Khan Yunis.