Hamas leaders say response to ceasefire proposal could come on Thursday

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli airstrike in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, on Tuesday (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

Hamas leaders say they are studying a ceasefire proposal put forward by Egyptian mediators and hope to respond by Thursday, according to a statement the militant group sent to The Associated Press late on Wednesday.

The current round of truce talks between Israel and Hamas appears to be serious, but the sides remain far apart on one key issue — whether the war should end as part of an emerging deal.