Hamas is unlikely to reject a Gaza ceasefire proposal it received from mediators this week, but will not sign it without assurances that Israel has committed to ending the war, a Palestinian official close to the talks told Reuters.

“I expect that Hamas will not reject the paper, but it might not give a decisive agreement either,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“Instead, I expect them to send a positive response, and reaffirm their demands: For the agreement to be signed, it must ensure Israel will commit to ending the war in Gaza and pull out from the enclave completely.”

The source said the text agreed with Israel and the US at talks in Paris last week envisions a first phase lasting 40 days, during which fighting would cease while Hamas released remaining civilians held in Gaza. 

Further phases would see the release of Israeli soldiers and the handover of bodies of dead captives, the report added.