“We have informed mediators in Egypt, Qatar and Turkey that Hamas is ready for a ceasefire agreement and a serious deal to exchange prison,” an official of the terror group told news agency Agence France Press.

That would give new hope for the release of the Israeli hostages, up to 100 of whom may still be alive.

Another Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri, however, accused Israel of obstructing an agreement.

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