Israel negotiating hostages release Hamas backs out of the deal

Israel's War Cabinet is discussing a possible deal with the Palestinian radical group Hamas on the release of hostages.

As Interfax reports citing The Jerusalem Post, the same issue is being discussed at talks in Norway between David Barney, head of Israel's Mossad intelligence service, and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

The deal, according to the report, could include the release of elderly men and civilians in exchange for "high-ranking" Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

According to media reports, Egyptian security officials believe that Israeli officials have shown great willingness during talks with mediators to strike a new deal for a Gaza ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of hostages.

Hamas, meanwhile, issued a statement saying the group would not agree to a new deal to release hostages it is holding in Gaza "until the aggression against our people stops once and for all," the Times of Israel reported.

According to the statement, Hamas has made its position known to the mediators.