Palestinians look at a damaged residential building after an Israeli strike in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. Photo: AP
Egypt and Qatar are trying to reach a deal to release civilian captives held by Hamas and other resistance groups in return for a ceasefire and the liberation of additional Palestinian prisoners by Israel, the official said on Wednesday.
The two countries helped mediate a week-long ceasefire in November, in which Hamas freed over 100 captives in exchange for 240 Palestinian children and women detainees.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been holding meetings with leaders in the Middle East since the weekend and is expected in Cairo on Thursday.
The Israeli war and blockade of the Gaza Strip have been ongoing since 7 October.
More than 23,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel, and over 58,000 injured thus far.
Most of the 2.4 million population of the Strip are facing near-famine conditions.
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