Hamas and US representatives have held rare direct talks in Qatar, two officials from the Palestinian group told AFP on Sunday.

“Direct talks have taken place in Doha between the Hamas leadership and the United States regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, a prisoner exchange and the entry of humanitarian aid,” said a senior Hamas official, adding that the talks “are still ongoing”.

A second Hamas official said there was “progress made… notably on the entry of aid to the Gaza Strip” and the potential exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody, “particularly concerning Edan Alexander”, a US-Israeli captive held by militants.

The second official also reported progress “on the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip”.

Hamas continue to hold 58 hostages seized during October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

Israel ended the last ceasefire, which lasted two months, on March 18, launching a major offensive in Gaza and ramping up its bombardment of the territory.

It has also cut off all aid to Gaza, saying it would pressure Hamas to release the remaining hostages.