Hamas agreed to release the hostages and to the idea of handing over governing Gaza to Palestinian technocrats, but did not give a clear response to many other elements.

The US leader has said he believes Hamas is "ready for a lasting peace", and has urged Israel to "stop the bombing of Gaza", but in the early hours of today three airstrikes hit the Gaza Strip. Hamas has said it will release all remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza but has asked for further negotiations on a number of issues outlined in the plan.