Hamas has given initial approval to a US-backed proposal for a phased truce deal in Gaza, dropping a key demand that Israel gives an upfront commitment for a complete end to the fighting, Al Jazeera reports according to officials from Hamas and Egypt, quoted by the Associated Press news agency.

The reported compromise by the Palestinian group could help deliver the first long-term pause in fighting since last November and set the stage for further talks on ending hostilities.

The two officials, who spoke on conditions of anonymity, told the agency that the deal would include a “full and complete” six-week ceasefire that would see the release of a number of hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

During these 42 days, Israeli forces would also withdraw from densely populated areas of Gaza and allow the return of displaced people to their homes in northern Gaza as phase two of the deal is negotiated, the two officials reportedly said.