Hamas appears to clear way for possible cease-fire deal with Israel after reportedly dropping key demandly 

There is new hope for a cease-fire deal in the Middle East after Hamas responded to a U.S.-backed proposal for a phased deal in Gaza.

The militant group – which controlled Gaza before triggering the war with an Oct. 7 attack on Israel – has reportedly given initial approval of the cease-fire deal after dropping a key demand that Israel give an up-front commitment for a complete end to the war, a Hamas and an Egyptian official told the Associated Press on Saturday.

A senior U.S. official says that Hamas’ response to the proposal “may provide the basis for closing the deal.”

The apparent compromise could deliver the first pause in fighting since November and set the stage for further talks on ending the devastating nine months of fighting. But all sides cautioned that a deal is still not guaranteed.

The two officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing negotiations, told the Associated Press that Washington’s phased deal would first include a “full and complete” six-week cease-fire that would see the release of a number of hostages, including women, older people and the wounded, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. During the 42 days, Israeli forces would withdraw from densely populated areas of Gaza and allow the return of displaced people to their homes in northern Gaza, the officials said. (CBS)

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