Hamas official says terror group will respond ‘very soon’ to proposal for truce, hostage release

BEIRUT — A senior Hamas official says the terror group will respond “very soon” to a proposal that includes extended pauses in Gaza fighting, and phased releases of Hamas-held hostages in the Strip and Palestinians jailed in Israel.

The official tells The Associated Press a lasting ceasefire is the most important component for Hamas, and that everything else can be negotiated.

The multi-stage proposal was drafted several days ago by senior officials from the United States, Israel, Qatar and Egypt, and is awaiting a Hamas response.

In Cairo, a senior Egyptian official with direct knowledge of the contacts says Hamas has not submitted a formal response but that it has sent positive signals.

Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the indirect talks are still ongoing.