A Senior Hamas source says the militant group is prepared to accept a proposal by the United States to begin talks on a hostage release deal.
Hamas is no longer demanding a permanent ceasefire as a condition to an agreement, instead saying it will accept an initial six-week ceasefire.
The deal would pave the way for negotiations on a permanent ceasefire in that six-week period.
Israeli sources say this proposal has more of a chance of succeeding.
