Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman has said Hamas has given “initial positive confirmation” to a proposal for the cessation of fighting in Gaza and the release of hostages, AFP reports.

“The meeting in Paris succeeded in consolidating the proposals … That proposal has been approved by the Israeli side and now we have an initial positive confirmation from the Hamas’ side,” Majed al-Ansari said referring to meetings between Qatari, US, Israeli and Egyptian officials in the French capital on Sunday.