Hamas said it had responded on Friday in "a positive spirit" to a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire proposal and was prepared to enter into talks on implementing the deal which envisages a release of hostages and negotiations on ending the conflict.

Hamas and Israel staked out their positions ahead of expected talks on a Washington-backed ceasefire proposal.

Hamas said Friday it was holding consultations with other Palestinian factions on a proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, where the civil defence agency said Israel's ongoing offensive killed more than 50 people.