The political leader of Hamas says the group is exploring a ceasefire and hostage release proposal reportedly put forward by Israel and go-betweens.

"Any flexibility we are showing in the negotiations is a commitment to protecting the blood of our people and to put an end to their pains and sacrifices in this brutal war of extermination," Ismail Haniyeh said in Doha on Wednesday.

Ceasefire talks are continuing between the two sides through the aid of mediators, including Qatar.

The draft reportedly requires Hamas to release 40 hostages in return for Israel's release of about 400 Palestinian detainees, and the aim is for that to begin by the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which starts around March 10.

Meanwhile, Moscow is expected to host a meeting starting Thursday for Palestinian organizations, including Hamas and Fatah, which leads the Palestinian Authority.

Participants are expected to discuss cooperation among Palestinian groups, as well as humanitarian aid, and a pause in the fighting in the Gaza Strip.

The humanitarian crisis in the enclave is worsening.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says 576,000 people, about one fourth of Gaza's population, are one step away from famine.

Health authorities in the Strip say, as of Wednesday, the death toll from the months-long conflict stood at 29,954.