As Israel and Hamas move closer to a ceasefire agreement, Israel says it wants to maintain troops in a southern corridor of the Gaza Strip — a condition that could derail the talks.

Indirect talks between Hamas and Israel for a ceasefire in Gaza are being held up by Israel's proposals to keep troops in the territory, two Palestinian sources with knowledge of the discussions told AFP on Saturday.

The decision followed discussions with the European Union, which has pressed Israel to ease the dire humanitarian conditions for Palestinians in the territory.

Ten Palestinians were reported killed Friday waiting for rations in Gaza, adding to the nearly 800 killed seeking aid in the last six weeks, according to the UN, with Israel's army saying it issued troops new instructions following the repeated reports of deaths.