In a statement to the official Qatar News Agency, the foreign ministry announced the deal "between Israel and (Hamas), where medicine along with other humanitarian aid is to be delivered to civilians in Gaza... in exchange for delivering medication needed for Israeli captives in Gaza".

Qatar, which hosts Hamas's political office, has led negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian militant group, having mediated a week-long break in the war in Gaza in November which included the release of scores of Israeli and foreign captives.

Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majid Al-Ansari told QNA "the medications and aid will leave Doha tomorrow to the city of Al-Arish in the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt, on board two Qatari Armed Forces aircrafts, in preparation for their transport into the Gaza Strip".

A diplomat briefed on the talks told AFP the deal followed a visit by the families of captives held in Gaza to Qatar and a meeting with the Gulf nation's prime minister.

"Qatar has fast tracked engagement with Hamas and Israel on the need to get medicine in to the captives and to civilian Palestinians in Gaza. Both have shown willingness," the diplomat said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of talks.

The diplomat said mediators were working to finalise details and discussing with international organisations logistics for delivery, while stressing that the talks are separate from wider efforts towards a ceasefire.

* This story was edited by Ahram Online.