The US official, speaking to reporters in a conference call, says that Israel has “basically accepted” a six week ceasefire.

“Israelis agreed to a six week ceasefire, now it’s up to Hamas to agree,” the official said. That would be followed by a “second phase” to “build something more enduring”.

Hamas has previously demanded a final and total ceasefire, and not just a temporary pause, the total withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and freedom of movement for Palestinians within Gaza.