Qatari mediators were on Wednesday seeking to negotiate a deal between Hamas and Israel that includes the release of around 50 civilian hostages from Gaza in exchange for a three-day ceasefire, an official briefed on the negotiations said. It would mark the biggest release in hostages held by Hamas since the militant group burst through the Gaza border, attacked parts of Israel and took hostages into the enclave. ​​Hamas has agreed to the general outlines of the deal, but Israel has not and it is still negotiating the details, the official said.