Hamas discuss prospects in Gaza

By Nathan Morley

The leader of Hamas has been discussing the prospects for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Over the weekend, Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh held talks with Egypt’s intelligence chief, Abbas Kamel, on the course of ongoing negotiations to achieve an end to hostilities in Gaza.

The discussion, held via phone, came after Israel's Kan radio reported that Washington presented a modified version of a prisoner exchange deal that includes a truce between Israel and Hamas.

According to the broadcast, the latest offer is based on the proposal approved by the former Israeli war cabinet and presented by President Joe Biden back in May.

Qatari and Egyptian negotiators along with the United States, are pursuing a prisoner exchange deal and hoping to clinch a second truce between Israel and Hamas.

Israel has been carrying massive offensive in the Gaza Strip in reprisal for a Hamas rampage last year, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 250 were kidnapped.

Elsewhere, three Hezbollah men have been killed in an Israeli airstrike in the southeast village of Houla.

Reports suggest an Israeli drone targeted a building in Houla causing serious damage to neighboring property.