Hamas and Israel staked out their positions ahead of expected talks on a Washington-backed ceasefire proposal.

But it added: "In light of an assessment of the situation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed that the invitation to proximity talks be accepted and that the contacts for the return of our hostages - on the basis of the Qatari proposal that Israel has agreed to - be continued. The negotiating team will leave tomorrow."

Israel and Hamas are moving toward a cease-fire agreement following a shift in the balance of power after Israel’s 12-day war with Iran.