The White House is hoping to see a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas concluded before Joe Biden leaves office, Antony Blinken has said.

Hamas has announced its readiness to release 34 captives as part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel, as reported by Reuters and AFP. The release will occur in the first phase of a prisoner exchange deal, which will include women, children, elderly individuals, and those in poor health.

Israel and Hamas have accused each other of complicating ceasefire efforts, as they inch closer to a deal that could wind down the 14-month war in Gaza