Israel’s military said it struck Hamas militants operating in a school building in Jabalia, and that it took steps to minimise risk to civilians.

“Things are better than ever before, but there is no deal yet,” the source told Reuters.

“We will continue to make every effort to return all of our hostages, the living and the deceased,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.

Hospitals under threat

Medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres said those two hospitals and also Al Aqsa Hospital were at risk of collapse for want of fuel, threatening the lives of hundreds of patients including newborns.

On Tuesday, Hamas stood by its demand that it would only free its remaining hostages if Israel agreed to end the war and withdraw all its troops from Gaza. Israel said it will not end the war until Hamas is dismantled and all hostages are free.