The war began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in 1,218 deaths, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures.

In exchange, Israel would free Palestinian prisoners, with the number still under negotiation, the official said.

“The indicators are positive regarding the start of negotiations for the second phase,” he added, without providing further details.

The White House said that President Donald Trump’s envoy on hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, held the talks which focused on Americans among the remaining hostages in Gaza.

Hamas and its allies took 251 people captive during the attack that sparked the war.

Hamas and its allies took 251 people hostage during the October 7 attack that sparked the war.

Each casket bore a small photo of each of the deceased. White mock-up missiles placed near the coffins bore the inscription: “They were killed by USA bombs.”

Hamas signalled on Wednesday that it was willing to free all remaining hostages held in Gaza in a single swap during the next phase of the ongoing ceasefire agreement.

The release, the sixth since the truce took effect on January 19, came after fears last week that the deal between Israel and Hamas was near collapse.

Under the terms of the ceasefire, which has largely halted more than 15 months of fighting in Gaza, hostages were to be released in batches in exchange for Palestinians in Israeli custody. So far, Israel and Hamas have completed five hostage-prisoner swaps.