Gaza: Hamas announced on Wednesday that it has agreed to release 10 hostages as part of the ongoing Gaza peace talks with Israel. Despite this concession, the group highlighted that negotiations still face "difficulty" due to Israel's "intransigence" on key issues.

In an official statement, Hamas emphasised its "necessary flexibility" in agreeing to the hostage release to facilitate the success of the ongoing efforts. However, critical points remain under dispute, primarily concerning the unhindered flow of aid into Gaza, the complete withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Gaza Strip, and the establishment of genuine guarantees for a permanent ceasefire.

According to IANS, reports from a leading media outlet indicate that Israel has presented a new map in Doha, proposing a partial pullback from the Morag Corridor. This strategic area, located between Rafah and Khan Younis in southern Gaza, was seized by Israeli forces in April and converted into a fortified military zone. The corridor is one of several "security zones" created by Israel through the demolition of buildings and infrastructure, effectively dividing the enclave. Previously, Israeli officials had maintained that the military would not withdraw from this corridor. An unnamed official has described this new Israeli proposal as "substantial progress" in the negotiations.

Negotiating teams have been in Doha since Sunday for indirect talks centred on a US-backed 60-day ceasefire proposal. This deal aims to secure the release of 10 living hostages and the remains of several others. Israel estimates that approximately 50 hostages are still held in Gaza, with about 20 believed to be alive.

The current conflict began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas-led attack that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 250 individuals being taken hostage. Since the start of Israel's subsequent offensive, authorities in Gaza report that at least 57,680 people have been killed.

With inputs from IANS