Hamas has accepted a U.S. proposal to begin talks on releasing Israeli hostages, including soldiers and men, after dropping a demand for a permanent ceasefire from Israel. The negotiations are part of an agreement aimed at ending the nine-month-old war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The proposal, if embraced by Israel, could lead to a framework agreement and ensure a temporary ceasefire, aid delivery, and withdrawal of Israeli troops. Efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza have intensified with shuttle diplomacy involving Washington, Israel, and Qatar. Israeli forces have intensified military strikes in the enclave, resulting in the deaths of at least 29 Palestinians in the past 24 hours, including local journalists and policemen. The Israeli military continues operations in Rafah, near the border with Egypt, aiming to eradicate the last Hamas armed wing battalions. Hamas and the Islamic Jihad have retaliated by attacking Israeli forces in the enclave. The U.S. administration is reportedly working hard to secure a deal before the presidential election in November. Talks between Israel and Hamas are set to continue next week as efforts towards a ceasefire and peace agreement progress.
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