Israeli troops must leave residential areas for ceasefire deal: Hamas

Hamas said on Wednesday that its main proposed amendment to the latest draft of a ceasefire agreement is for Israeli forces to withdraw more than 800 metres from residential areas in Gaza. The announcement followed Israel’s demand for the release of all 50 hostages held in the Palestinian territory, contradicting the current proposal for a phased release and dimming hopes for a last-ditch truce. Israel has yet to formally respond to the ceasefire proposal put forward by Qatar and Egypt, which Hamas has agreed to.