The deal comes more than 20 months into the conflict -- and more than three months after a previous deal ended.

Hamas announced on Friday that it had “submitted a positive response” to a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, opening the path toward a deal to halt the conflict after months of failed efforts.

Israeli and Hamas officials are engaging in indirect talks in Qatar, aiming to establish a ceasefire and a hostage exchange agreement amid ongoing tensions in Gaza. The discussions precede a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.