Hamas awaits Israeli response

Hamas is waiting for a response from Israel on its ceasefire proposal, two officials from the Palestinian group said on Sunday (July 7).

Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas have been at war since early October. Five days ago, Hamas announced its acceptance of a key part of the US plan to end the war. But Israel has yet to respond.

Wishing anonymity, one of the two Hamas officials told Reuters said, "We have left our response with the mediators and are waiting to hear the occupation's response."

The three-phase plan was put forward at the end of May by US President Joe Biden and is being medicated by Qatar and Egypt. It aims to end the war and free around 120 Israeli hostages being held by Hamas.

Another Palestinian official, said Israel was in talks with Qataris.