Hamas clears way for possible ceasefire after dropping key demand, officials say

Talks are continuing to end the devastating nine-month war (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

Samy Magdy and Wafaa Shurafa

Hamas has given initial approval for a US-backed proposal for a phased ceasefire in Gaza, dropping a key demand that Israel gives an up-front commitment for a complete end to the war, Hamas and Egyptian officials said.

The apparent compromise by the militant group - which controlled Gaza before triggering the war with an October 7 attack on Israel - could help deliver the first pause in fighting since last November and set the stage for further talks on ending a devastating nine-month war, but all sides cautioned that a deal is not guaranteed.