CNN —Hamas is ready to reconsider its insistence that Israel commit to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza before signing an agreement that would usher in a temporary truce and begin a process to release hostages still held in Gaza, a senior Hamas official confirmed to CNN. The change in Hamas’ position was first reported by Reuters, and comes amid intensified efforts towards reaching an agreement. The group has long demanded Israel agree to a permanent ceasefire before signing any deal, terms Israel sees as unacceptable. Hamas would instead accept that talks on reaching a permanent ceasefire would take place throughout the first phase of any deal, which would last six weeks, the official told CNN. Efforts to reach a deal between Hamas and Israel have stalled for months.

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Persons: Israel, ’, –, Netanyahu, David Barea, Netanyahu –, Israel won’t, Joe Biden Organizations: CNN, Hamas, Reuters, Minister’s Locations: Gaza, Israel, Qatar