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.

The deal comes more than 20 months into the conflict -- and more than three months after a previous deal ended.