The US news site Axios says that Israel has given Hamas a new proposal aimed at bringing about a ceasefire and the release of some of the remaining hostages being held by the Islamic group in Gaza.

Ceasefire negotiations between the two sides have been stalled for months. The number of people killed in Israel's military operation in Gaza has risen to 44,000. Israel launched its campaign in the enclave more than one year ago in response to Hamas' surprise attack on the country. Hamas is still holding about 100 hostages in Gaza.

On Wednesday, Axios quoted two Israeli government officials as saying that their country conveyed the principles of the updated framework for a deal to senior Egyptian intelligence officials. Earlier in the week, the Egyptian officials reportedly presented the proposal to Hamas' representatives in Cairo.

Israel indicates in the proposal that it is willing to negotiate a ceasefire, one that would last somewhere between 42 and 60 days.

It wants Hamas to release all the living female hostages and all the living male captives over the age of 50. It also wants all the hostages whose medical conditions are serious to be freed.

US President-elect Donald Trump has called for the release of all the hostages being held by Hamas, including those who have US citizenship. He has threatened to retaliate against those responsible, if the hostages are not freed before he takes office on January 20.

Axios reported that Israel is hoping the pressure from Trump will help bring about a resumption of the negotiations.

There has been no let-up in Israel's military campaign in Gaza. It is unclear how Hamas will respond to the new proposal. The group has been calling for a complete ceasefire.