GAZA CITY - Indirect talks between Hamas and Israel for a ceasefire in Gaza are being held up by Israel’s proposals to keep troops in the territory, two Palestinian sources with knowledge of the discussions told AFP on Saturday.

Indirect talks between Hamas and Israel for a ceasefire in Gaza are being held up by Israel's proposals to keep troops in the territory, two Palestinian sources with knowledge of the discussions told AFP on Saturday.

Hamas has demanded an end to the war for the release of hostages, while Israel insists on ending fighting only after all hostages are freed and Hamas is dismantled.

Israel is willing to negotiate a permanent ceasefire from the start of a US-proposed 60-day truce, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday. But Israel's "fundamental conditions" were that Hamas gives up its "governing or military capabilities",