More now on the negotiations to pause fighting in the Israel Hamas war.

A senior Hamas representative said Friday, the terror group will respond “very soon” to a proposal that includes extended pauses in Gaza fighting and phased exchanges of Hamas-held hostages for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.

Hamas terrorists have been holding dozens of hostages since October 7th, after having abducted about 250 during their deadly attack on southern Israel.

More than 100 hostages were released during a one-week truce in November, in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.

ABC News in Jerusalem is reporting there is still no breakthrough on a phase deal to pause the Gaza war and free dozens of hostages.

Israel is said to be waiting for Hamas’ initial response to the so-called Paris Framework. We’re told to expect more negotiations on issues such as the length of the ceasefire, how many Palestinian prisoners will be released in exchange for the female Israeli soldiers and the fate of Hamas’ leadership.