Hamas has submitted its response to a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire proposal, a Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations told Reuters on Friday, describing the response as a positive one that should "facilitate reaching a deal.

President Donald Trump said he expects to hear back from Hamas within 24 hours about the latest peace deal in Gaza brokered by the United States.

The rise of Izz al-Din al-Haddad in the chain of command suggests the group will hold firm to its position demanding a total end to the war before releasing all remaining hostages.