Hamas has given "initial positive confirmation" to a proposal for the cessation of fighting in Gaza and the release of hostages, Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

US, Egyptian and Qatari mediators met with Israeli intelligence officials in Pairs on Sunday where they proposed a six-week pause in the Gaza war and a hostage-prisoner exchange for Hamas to review.

"That proposal has been approved by the Israeli side and now we have an initial positive confirmation from the Hamas side," Majed al-Ansari told an audience at a Washington-based graduate school.

"There is still a very tough road in front of us," said Ansari.

"We are optimistic because both sides now agreed to the premise that would lead to a next pause.

"We're hopeful that in the next couple of weeks, we'll be able to share good news about that," he added.

The Qatar-based leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, was expected in Cairo on Thursday or Friday for talks on a proposed truce.

Previously, Qatar mediated a one-week break in fighting that began in November and led to the release of scores of Israeli and foreign hostages, as well as aid entering the besieged Palestinian territory. (AFP)