Israel and Hamas on Wednesday accused each other of obstructing negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, after Israel withdrew its negotiators from the talks the previous day. Israeli media reported on Wednesday that the refusal by the Palestinian Islamist militia Hamas to hand over a list of the names of the hostages it still holds is hindering progress in the negotiations.

The two sides appear closer than they have been in months to reaching an agreement that would bring home dozens of hostages being held in Gaza.

Talks to reach a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas are 90% complete, but key issues remain that need to be bridged, a senior Palestinian official involved in the talks told the BBC.

Dozens of Palestinians were martyred or injured on Wednesday due to the Israeli continuous bombardment of the residential and civilian targets in the various cities of Gaza. Since early Wednesday, over 14 martyrs were claimed by the Zionist aggression, starving the northern sector of the Strip for the 82nd consecutive day.

Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip - 16, 2024 The ongoing talks on ceasefire in Gaza have gained momentum, as Hamas announced on Saturday that leaders of three Palestinian factions believe a ceasefire agreement is "closer than ever" if Israel refrains from imposing new conditions.

U.S. officials say both Hamas and Israel are making concessions toward securing a deal, but tempered optimism with differences remaining on key issues.

Hamas and two other Palestinian militant groups said on Saturday that a Gaza ceasefire deal with Israel is “closer than ever”, provided Israel does not impose new conditions. Last week, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas mediated by Qatar,