Hamas has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar, with U.S. support, in a bid to halt escalating violence in Gaza. The plan includes the return of half the hostages taken since October 7 and the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners by Israel.

Hamas has told mediators in the Middle East that it accepts a new ceasefire proposal for the Gaza Strip, as a fresh diplomatic push to end the war gained traction.

The goals in Gaza, he said, include demilitarizing the enclave, maintaining the Israeli military's "overriding security control" and putting a non-Israeli civilian administration in charge.