Israel and Hamas wrangled on Sunday over the details of a deal to halt fighting in the Gaza Strip and return hostages home, as Palestinian officials say intensified Israeli bombardments had killed more than 100 people over the weekend.

A Hamas official said the group had approved a list of 34 Israeli hostages to be returned as part of a deal that could eventually lead to a ceasefire. 

But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office swiftly issued a statement that said Hamas had not provided a hostage list.

Later on Sunday, the Hamas official provided Reuters a copy of the list showing the names of 34 hostages it agreed to set free in any possible ceasefire deal with Israel.

A renewed push is underway to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and return Israeli hostages, before US president-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20. 

The effort comes amid a surge in Israeli military action in the enclave. 

More than 100 Palestinians killed 

This weekend, Israeli air strikes in Gaza killed 105 Palestinians, medics said. The Israeli military said it had killed dozens of Hamas militants.

The US State Department said Israel must comply with international law and do “significantly more to ensure the protection of civilians,” adding that it supported Israel’s right to defend itself.

Israeli negotiators were dispatched on Friday to resume talks in Doha brokered by Qatari and Egyptian mediators.

US President Joe Biden’s administration, which is helping to mediate, has also urged Hamas to agree to a deal.

On Friday, Hamas said it was committed to reaching an agreement as soon as possible, but it was unclear how close the two sides were.

A Hamas official said any agreement to return Israeli hostages would hinge on a deal for Israel to withdraw from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire or end to the war.

“However, until now, the occupation continues to be obstinate over an agreement over the issues of the ceasefire and withdrawal, and has made no step forward,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Mr Netanyahu has consistently said the war will only end once Hamas is eradicated as a military and governing force.

Israel launched its assault on Gaza in response to an October 2023 attack by Hamas that killed about 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel’s military campaign has since levelled swathes of the enclave, killing 45,805 Palestinians and driving most people from their homes, the Gaza health ministry said.

Reuters