Hamas official: Permanent ceasefire remains key demand

Hamas official Mohammad Nazzal said the Palestinian group's demand for a permanent ceasefire as part of a deal with Israel to end the war has not changed. 

In an interview with Saudi-funded Al Arabiya broadcaster on Thursday, Nazzal said he wouldn't disclose the details of the latest response by Hamas to avoid disrupting the ongoing negotiations process.

The Hamas response has been described as positive by Israeli and US sources, prompting a fresh round of indirect talks set to start in Doha later on Friday.

Nazzal said the group's response did not include substantial changes from previous proposals and ensured the group's general demands were met. 

Hamas in previous talks insisted any deal must include a permanent end to the war, full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, return of displaced people to their homes, increased relief and reconstruction, and a prisoner swap deal.

One the other hand, Netanyahu repeatedly vowed to continue the war until its goals - to eliminate Hamas and return all captives - are met.