Hamas responds to latest Gaza ceasefire proposal

Palestinian militant group Hamas said it has responded to a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza to the mediators after more than two weeks of talks in Doha, Qatar.

The response reportedly included suggested amendments to clauses on the entry of humanitarian aid, maps of areas from which the Israeli forces should withdraw, as well as guarantees on securing a permanent end to the conflict, according to a Palestinian source familiar with ongoing talks in Doha, Arab News reported.

Hamas had reportedly submitted an earlier response on Tuesday, but was quickly rejected by the Arab mediators as they urged Hamas to present something more reasonable.

Meanwhile, the Times of Israel reported early Thursday - citing a senior Israeli official - that Tel Aviv has received Hamas' proposal and that it was reviewing in full.

The latest developments come as United States Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff plans to meet with senior Qatari and Israeli officials in Rome on Thursday to continue negotiations over the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, US media outlet Axios reported.

Witkoff was said to have made it clear to the parties in recent weeks that he would join the talks in Doha only if a deal was close at hand.

US Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce had said on Tuesday that Witkoff planned to head to the Middle East with a "strong hope" that the US can deliver a ceasefire deal as well as a new humanitarian corridor for aid distribution.