Qatar hostage mediation concerns 12 hostages, 'half of them American'

Qatari mediation on the possible release of hostages held by Hamas concerns 12 captives, "half of them Americans", a source close to Hamas told AFP in Gaza.

The release would come in exchange for "a three-day humanitarian truce".

Discussions are currently stalling "over the duration" of the truce and the inclusion in this agreement of "the north of the Gaza Strip, the scene of large-scale combat operations", said the source.

“Qatar is waiting for a response from the Israelis."