Palestinian official "90% complete ceasefire talks in Gaza"

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire in Gaza have been 90% complete, the BBC reported, citing a senior Palestinian official.

The remaining issue is the Israeli military presence in the Piladelpi Corridor, the border between Gaza and Egypt.

The creation of a multi-kilometer buffer zone on the border between Gaza and Israel and the presence of Israeli troops are also at issue.

If these issues are resolved, a three-stage ceasefire could be agreed, including a phased exchange of captives and hostages, the return of refugees, and the establishment of a Gaza ruling committee involving all Palestinian factions, the official explained.

Hamas separately issued a statement claiming that Israel is closer than ever to a ceasefire in Gaza unless it sets new conditions.

A Palestinian official said a cease-fire deal could be reached within the year if Israel does not impose new conditions, Xinhua reported.