Israel and Hamas have agreed to provide medicines to hostages held by the Islamic group in Gaza in exchange for more aid to Palestinian civilians in the enclave.

The Qatari government on Tuesday announced the deal it mediated. It is the first agreement reached by the warring sides since the fighting resumed in December.

It says relief supplies and medicine will be transported by two Qatari military planes to an airport in Egypt near Gaza on Wednesday.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office says that upon arrival in Egypt, the medication will be delivered by Qatari representatives to its final destination in Gaza.

A spokesperson for Qatar's foreign ministry said in a statement that the country succeeded in mediating the agreement in cooperation with France.

The spokesperson stressed that Qatar will continue working to improve humanitarian issues and medical evacuation as part of its efforts to bring about an end to the Gaza conflict.