As Israel and Hamas move closer to a ceasefire agreement, Israel says it wants to maintain troops in a southern corridor of the Gaza Strip — a condition that could derail the talks.

Foreign ministers from the EU's 27-member nations were meeting in Brussels in the wake of a new aid deal for Gaza, largely forged by EU foreign policy chief Kallas and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a controversial U.S.-backed aid distribution initiative supported by Israel, is currently the primary method for Palestinians in devastated Gaza to access supplies in designated spots after Israel lifted its aid blockade in mid-May.

Cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas stall amid hostage disputes, political tensions, and aid access issues.

Hamas is “ready to accept any initiative that clearly leads to the complete end to the war,” an official said.

Israeli and Hamas negotiators have been taking part in the latest round of ceasefire talks in Doha since July 6, discussing a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire that envisages a phased release of hostages,

Gaza’s civil defense agency has said that 43 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks, including at a market and a water distribution point, as Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks come to a halt.

The Israeli prime minister denounced a New York Times report laying out how he has scuttled deals to stay in power.