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.

At least 15 Palestinians were killed overnight in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, according to local health officials.

It was not immediately clear if Hamas’ statement meant that the group had accepted the proposal from US President Donald Trump for a 60-day ceasefire.