 Hamas has given its initial approval of a U.S.-backed proposal for a phased ceasefire deal in Gaza, dropping a key demand that Israel commit up front to a complete end of the war. That's what a Hamas official and an Egyptian official said today. Hamas controls the Gaza Strip and triggered the war with Israel. Anti-government protesters again in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square, part of weekly demonstrations calling for release of hostages taken by Hamas in October and also new elections.