Negotiations between Hamas and Israel for a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza have intensified, with Hamas demanding an end to Israel's assault in exchange for releasing hostages. The talks involve Qatari and Egyptian mediators,

JERUSALEM — Israel and Hamas once again appear to be inching toward a ceasefire that could wind down the 15-month war in Gaza and bring home dozens of Israelis held hostage there.

A senior Hamas official has shared with the BBC a list of 34 hostages that the Palestinian group says it is willing to release in the first stage of a potential ceasefire agreement with Israel. It is unclear how many hostages remain alive.