A Hamas official has indicated the group’s willingness to drop the demand that Israel commit to ending the war completely prior to a cease-fire, potentially clearing the path to implementing a U.S.-backed proposal for a pause in fighting.
The proposal would comprise a six-week cease-fire, first including the release of a number of Hamas-held hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Though still uncertain, U.S. officials are optimistic for a cease-fire and a potential end to the war. CIA Director Bill Burns is expected to travel to the Middle East next week to join negotiations.
