In a major update in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist group has announced that it is ready to release 34 Israeli hostages in the first phase of the prisoner exchange deal between the two.

Hamas has released a video showing a 19-year-old Israeli captive, as indirect talks between the group and Israel on a ceasefire and hostage release deal resume in Qatar. The footage shows Liri Albag calling for the Israeli government to reach a deal.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas has approved a list of hostages it is willing to exchange in the event of a ceasefire. Israel denies any such preparations, stating that it has not received any lists,

Israel says it has yet to hear whether the hostages on a list to possibly be handed over are alive or dead. Meanwhile, a shooting attack on a bus carrying Israelis in the West Bank killed at least three.