Israel and Hamas are trading accusations of violating the existing ceasefire as less than a week remains in their initial pause.

Hamas says talks with Israel about further steps in the Gaza ceasefire deal are conditional on Palestinian prisoners being freed as agreed. Israel said on Sunday it was delaying the release of more than 600 Palestinians in return for six living and four dead hostages who had been freed,

A Hamas official says Israel’s delay in the release of some 600 Palestinian prisoners is a “serious violation” of the ceasefire agreement and talks on a second phase of the accord are not possible until they are returned.