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 announcement by Hamas arrived following it held consultations with other Palestinian factions and before a visit on Monday by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington.

Hamas has delivered what its leaders called a "positive response" to the U.S.-backed plan for a cease-fire with Israel in Gaza.