Talks under way for three-day ceasefire in exchange for Hamas hostages release, reports say

Talks are reportedly under way for a three-day humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for the release of around a dozen hostages taken by Hamas.

The deal to allow more aid into the besieged enclave is being brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, the Associated Press reported, citing two officials from Egypt including one from the United Nations and a Western diplomat.

Separately, UN human rights chief Volker Türk has accused both sides of committing war crimes, with the holding of hostages by Hamas and the “collective punishment by Israel of Palestinian civilians”.

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