The Islamic group Hamas said on Sunday that it is ready to release two more hostages held in the Gaza Strip. But it also claimed Israel has declined to receive them.

The group said on social media that the release would take place under "the same procedures" used for the two American hostages set free on Friday.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office said in a statement that Israel will not respond to what it describes as "propaganda" by Hamas.

Meanwhile, people in Gaza are suffering acute water and food shortages amid the fighting between Israel and Hamas.

On Saturday, a convoy of 20 trucks entered Gaza from Egypt through the Rafah border crossing, carrying food, water and medical supplies.

Five United Nations agencies, including the World Health Organization and UNICEF, welcomed the development. But they said in a joint statement, "It is only a small beginning and far from enough."

Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General responsible for the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, told the Reuters news agency that as negotiations continue, he heard that another 20 to 30 trucks might enter Gaza on Sunday.

The dire situation presents serious challenges over how sufficient amounts of supplies can be brought in and distributed among residents of Gaza amid the worsening humanitarian crisis.

Since the fighting started on October 7, at least 1,400 people have been killed in Israel, with 210 people including foreigners, taken hostage.

At least 4,385 people have been killed in Gaza. The latest figures have brought the total death toll on both sides to more than 5,700.