Israeli soldiers hold their grounds in Kfar Aza kibbutz (Southern Israel) near the Gaza Strip. (Photo: AFP)

The statement follows visits to the Middle East by both US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, in an effort to push forward an agreement before the end of President Biden’s term.  

Neither Israel nor Hamas has commented on the statement.

Approximately 100 people are being held hostages by Hamas, after being captured in a surprise raid on southern Israel in October last year.