Informed sources reported that Hamas abandoned a major demand that Israel first adhere to a permanent ceasefire before signing the agreement.

The sources quoted a Hamas leader as saying that the movement agreed to “start negotiations” regarding the prisoners “without a permanent ceasefire,” recalling that Hamas had previously required that Israel agree to a complete, permanent ceasefire, in order to enter into negotiations regarding the prisoners.

He pointed out that "this step was bypassed, as the mediators pledged that as long as the prisoner negotiations continued, the ceasefire would continue," noting that "Hamas backed down from its condition for a permanent ceasefire, as it agreed that the negotiations would begin without a permanent ceasefire."

A Hamas source told Reuters that the movement will instead allow this goal to be achieved during the first phase, which will last six weeks.

A Palestinian official familiar with peace efforts said the proposal could lead to a framework agreement, if approved by Israel, that could end the war.

The agency quoted Hamas officials as saying that the movement is awaiting an Israeli response to its ceasefire proposal, five days after it accepted a major part of a plan proposed by Washington.