Hamas believes that Israeli proposals to extend the cease-fire that expires Thursday morning in Gaza are not “optimal” at this time, a source in the Palestinian Islamist movement told AFP late on Wednesday.

“Any discussion on the exchange of prisoners of war, soldiers and officers must be preceded by an end to (Israeli) aggression and the lifting of the blockade that is strangling Gaza,” he added.

“The next step in the negotiations should focus on exchanging prisoners over the age of 18, and the resistance is ready for that step,” he added, noting that Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups were “ready for all options.”

“If the ceasefire continues, Hamas will keep it as long as the (Israeli) occupier keeps it,” a source told AFP.

The current shutdown began last Friday for four days and was later extended for two days.

The parties are in talks with Qatar-led mediators to avoid renewed hostilities in the Gaza Strip, where the humanitarian situation is dire.

Meanwhile, 60 hostages and dual nationals, including women and children, were released in exchange for 180 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons, including women and men under the age of 19.