Netanyahu authorizes deployment of negotiating team

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorized the dispatch of a team of negotiators for talks on a ceasefire-for-hostages arrangement with Hamas in Gaza, Israel's Kan public broadcaster reported on Thursday, citing government officials.

It was not initially clear where the next round of talks would take place. The negotiations mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar had previously been held in Cairo or Doha.

Talks have been at an impasse lately due to the divergent views of Israel and Hamas regarding the goal of the negotiations.

Hamas is demanding a complete end to the Gaza war and an Israeli withdrawal from the sealed-off coastal area.

Israeli leaders have rejected these terms and want a temporary ceasefire that would facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli jails. Israel insists that the long-stated goal of crushing Hamas in the Gaza Strip has not changed.

On Wednesday, Hamas sent mediators what they described as a proposal with "some ideas." Nothing was initially known about its content. It was also unclear to what extent it deviated from the last plan discussed. Israel said on Wednesday night it was examining the proposal.