Hamas said it had responded on Friday in "a positive spirit" to a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire proposal and was prepared to enter into talks on implementing the deal, which envisages a release of hostages and negotiations on ending the conflict.

The U.S. president told reporters Friday on Air Force One that it was "good" that Hamas was ready to enter talks.

Hamas issued a “positive response” to a proposal put forward by Egyptian and Qatari mediators. The group did not say what changes it would seek.