Hamas says it will only release American-Israeli hostage if ceasefire deal is implemented

Palestinian militant group Hamas has said it will only release an American-Israeli and the bodies of four hostages, if Israel implements the ceasefire agreement.

According to the Associated Press citing a senior Hamas official on Sunday, the militant group believes that their offer is an "exceptional deal" aimed at getting the truce back on track.

The official added that long-delayed talks over the second phase of the ceasefire need to begin on the day of the release, and should last no longer than 50 days.

Hamas also called on Israel to stop barring the entry of humanitarian aid, and withdraw from the Rafah crossing.