Hamas “submitted a positive response” to a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal, the group announced in a statement on Friday. Israel had already accepted the framework for the ceasefire, and the two sides are expected to begin formal negotiations over the war in Gaza.

Hamas announced on Friday that it had “submitted a positive response” to a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, opening the path toward a deal to halt the conflict after months of failed efforts.

Israeli airstrikes killed 15 Palestinians in Gaza early Friday, while a hospital said another 20 people died in shootings while waiting for aid. Meanwhile, Hamas said it had given a “positive” response to the latest proposal for a ceasefire,