Hamas has broadly agreed to the framework of a cease-fire proposal with Israel, a senior U.S. administration official said, though mechanics of the deal have yet to be resolved.
The response was received earlier this week through Qatari officials, who have served as a key intermediary between Hamas and Israel, along with Egypt.
Calling the response encouraging, the official said it may provide the basis for an agreement that initially would lead to the release from the Gaza Strip of sick, wounded, female and older male hostages taken from Israel in the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas.