Hamas said it had responded on Friday in "a positive spirit" to a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire proposal and was prepared to enter into talks on implementing the deal, which envisages a release of hostages and negotiations on ending the conflict.

Hamas and Israel staked out their positions ahead of expected talks on a Washington-backed ceasefire proposal.

President Donald Trump previously said Israel had agreed to a ceasefire deal, but Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu still has not confirmed Trump’s claim.