Hamas leader says militant group ‘close’ to truce agreement with Israel

Deal could include limited ceasefire and exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners

• Israel-Hamas war: live updates

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has said his militant movement is nearing a truce agreement with Israel, more than six weeks after its deadly assault sparked retaliatory strikes on Gaza in which thousands have been killed.

“We are close to reaching a deal on a truce,” Haniyeh said, and the group has delivered its response to Qatari mediators.