Indirect talks between Hamas and Israel for a ceasefire in Gaza are being held up by Israel's proposals to keep troops in the territory, two Palestinian sources with knowledge of the discussions

Israel 's offensive, which began after Hamas killed around 1,200 people and took 250 hostage on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of more than 57,000 civilians, the majority of whom were women and children, according to Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry.

An Israeli strike hit Palestinians near a medical centre in Gaza on Thursday, killing 16 including children and wounding more people, local health authorities said, as ceasefire talks dragged on with no result expected soon.