The rise of Izz al-Din al-Haddad in the chain of command suggests the group will hold firm to its position demanding a total end to the war before releasing all remaining hostages.

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

Hamas says it has given a “positive” response to the latest proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza but said further talks were needed on implementation. It was not clear if Hamas’ statement meant it had accepted the proposal from U.