Israel and Hamas are believed to have agreed that 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others should be released during the first 60 days of a cease-fire, but they have not reached a consensus on how many Palestinian prisoners should be freed during the same period. Up to 20 hostages are still thought to be alive.

Israel and Hamas may be able to reach a Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release deal within one or two weeks but such an agreement is not likely to be secured in just a day's time, a senior Israeli official said on Wednesday.

Cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas stall amid hostage disputes, political tensions, and aid access issues.

The Popular Forces, a new Palestinian militia in Gaza, aims to challenge Hamas and its rule. However, scepticism surrounds the group over its ability to assert itself, as well as its leader Yasser Abu Shabab and his criminal past.

Senator Lindsey Graham meets with PM Netanyahu to discuss regional security, stresses the importance of keeping Iran weakened and fully removing Hamas from Gaza for peace.