As Israel and Hamas move closer to a ceasefire agreement, Israel says it wants to maintain troops in a southern corridor of the Gaza Strip — a condition that could derail the talks.

In a move meant to demonstrate “necessary flexibility,” Hamas has announced plans to release ten Israeli hostages to help accelerate stalled ceasefire negotiations with Israel. The militant group said the gesture is part of “intensive and responsible efforts” to reach a comprehensive agreement.

Israel and Hamas may be able to reach a Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release deal within one or two weeks but such an agreement is not likely to be secured in just a day's time, a senior Israeli official said on Wednesday.