A Hamas official says the group has softened its demands for a cease-fire with Israel, the Associated Press reported. Spokesman Ghazi Hamad says Hamas is now prepared for a partial truce that would only include the Gaza Strip. Hamad says the proposal has been relayed to Egyptian mediators. In return, Hamas wants Israel and Egypt to open their trade and passenger crossings with Gaza. The border has been sealed since last June. Hamad said the Egyptians are now waiting for Israel's response.
