Ready to talk with Hamas,says Israel defense chief

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz has agreed to hold talks with the Palestinian group Hamas to improve the situation in the besieged Gaza Strip after Monday's meeting with the UN special coordinator for the middle east peace process.

"Glad to meet today with UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov. Appreciated the opportunity to thank him for helping facilitate the resumption of coordination with the Palestinian " tweeted Gantz following the meeting. Meanwhile the defense minister also accused Hamas of violating their sovereignty in southern Israel.

"Israel is ready to reach a solution and contribute to the betterment of the people of Gaza," Gantz added. The agreement will only apply if an agreement is reached that includes the release of Israeli soldiers detained by Hamas to which they haven't immediately responded.

As a result of the Israeli blockade imposed on Israel since 2007, the Gaza Strip has experienced severe food and medical shortages, a severe power crisis and severe unemployment.

Hamas has demanded the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel in exchange for four Israeli detainees, including two soldiers captured during the Israeli war against Gaza in the summer of 2014