Hamas is seeking guarantees that a new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza would lead to the war's end, a source close to the militant group said on Thursday, as medics said Israeli strikes across the territory had killed scores more people.

The U.S. President said Israel “agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize” a 60-day ceasefire, “during which time we will work with all parties to end the war.”

A total of 50 hostages remain in the Gaza Strip of the 251 people abducted by Hamas during its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people. Israeli authorities say 20 of the hostages are still alive. Hamas-run health authorities report over 57,000 Palestinian deaths since 2023 in the Israel's response.

Loud blasts and explosions in Gaza was seen from southern Israel in the wee hours of Wednesday July 16. The blasts occurred as hopes for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas hang in the balance.

Deadly Israeli airstrikes have struck Gaza again, killing dozens including many civilians, as ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas unravel. Despite international efforts to broker peace, both sides remain entrenched,

Hamas and Israel staked out their positions ahead of expected talks on a Washington-backed ceasefire proposal.

Hamas said it had responded on in "a positive spirit" to a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire proposal and was prepared to enter into talks.

Trump says Israel has agreed to conditions for a Gaza ceasefire and he's urging Hamas to back it, but neither side has committed to anything yet.

Hamas says it has given a “positive” response to the latest proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza but says further talks are needed on implementation