Hamas says positive about Gaza peace proposal guaranteeing permanent ceasefire

GAZA -- Hamas said on Saturday that it is positive about any Gaza ceasefire proposal that guarantees a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, Hamas said that such a proposal must also ensure an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people and include a serious prisoner exchange deal.

A Hamas delegation headed to Cairo on Saturday at the invitation of Egypt. While in Cairo, they are expected to meet with mediators from Qatar and Egypt, as part of ongoing efforts to reach an agreement and halt Israeli attacks in Gaza, it added.

At least 1,563 Palestinians have been killed and 4,004 others injured since Israel resumed intensive strikes across the Gaza Strip on March 18, Gaza-based health authorities said on Saturday.