Hamas agrees to release 10 hostages as part of Gaza truce talks

Hamas has said it agreed to release 10 hostages held in Gaza as part of ongoing ceasefire talks with Israel, adding it was working to overcome hurdles despite the "difficulty of negotiations".

"In the framework of (Hamas') commitment to ensuring the success of ongoing efforts, the movement displayed the required flexibility and agreed to release 10 prisoners (hostages)," the group said in a statement Wednesday, adding that the "core points remain under negotiations", notably the flow of aid, Israel's withdrawal and guarantees for a permanent ceasefire.

"Despite the difficulty of negotiations over these issues until now due to the intransigence of the occupation, we continue to work seriously and with a positive spirit with the mediators to overcome the hurdles," it added.

- Israel military chief says 'conditions created' to advance Gaza deal -

Israel's military chief said on Wednesday "conditions have been created" for the advancement of a hostage release deal in Gaza, as indirect negotiations were under way between Israel and Hamas.

"We have achieved many significant results, we have caused great damage to the governance and military capabilities of Hamas," armed forces chief Eyal Zamir said in a televised speech. "Thanks to the operational power that we have demonstrated, the conditions have been created to advance a deal to release the hostages."