A new round of Gaza cease-fire talks is likely to begin next week

A source close to the Hamas delegation told AFP on Saturday that talks on a new Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal were likely to begin next week.

The source, who asked not to be named, said: "Based on contacts with mediators, we expect a new round of talks to begin in Cairo, most likely this week, to discuss ideas and proposals on a ceasefire and prisoner exchange."

"Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and others are working to stop the war and the Israeli massacre."

Qatar had been acting as a mediator alongside the United States and Egypt for months, but pulled out last month, saying Israel and Hamas needed to show their willingness and seriousness.

A source close to the negotiations said Thursday that Qatar has re-engaged in mediation efforts.

Hamas political Bureau member Khalid Naim told AFP on Saturday that Hamas had informed mediators this week of its willingness to reach and implement a deal to end the war. He added that such an agreement would include a specific timetable for Israel's withdrawal from key areas of the Gaza Strip.

The two sides have been wrangling over Hamas's insistence that the conditions for a ceasefire include a permanent Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.