Despite the optimism expressed by the US administration regarding the prospects of reaching a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal within days, Israeli officials warned Saturday that there did not appear to be significant movement on the side of Hamas that would enable an agreement.

At the same time, reports purported to offer details on an up-to-date US-backed proposal for a 60-day halt to fighting in the Strip.

Media reports indicated that mediators Egypt and Qatar were optimistic about the chances for a deal and that US pressure on both sides was intensifying.

A key variable appeared to be a planned visit to the US by Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a top confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for talks about efforts for a regional deal that could potentially include an end to the war and an expansion of the Abraham Accords.

US officials were set to tell Dermer that the war must end and the remaining hostages should be returned, and that eliminating Hamas can wait for a future opportunity, Haaretz reported, citing two unnamed sources who spoke recently to a senior White House official.

Dermer’s trip was also intended as preparation for a visit by Netanyahu to Washington that was expected to take place within the next two weeks. US sources speaking to Channel 12 news said the administration wanted a deal clinched before Netanyahu’s trip.

Israeli officials cited by the network and by the Axios news site denied that there was any breakthrough in negotiations between Israel and Hamas, saying there was no meaningful shift in the sides’ stances on the key points of contention, including the terror group’s demand for guarantees that the war in Gaza will end.

Officials speaking anonymously to Channel 12 said there were no signs of Hamas flexibility. Israel says it has already agreed to US envoy Steve Witkoff’s proposal for a ceasefire, and that it is Hamas that is holding up a deal with unreasonable demands, the report said.

Sources cited by Haaretz said both the Palestinian terror group and Israel were refusing to budge, with Jerusalem insisting on the disarmament of Hamas, the exiling of its leaders, and the implementation of US President Donald Trump’s plan to relocate some of Gaza’s population outside the Strip.

Hamas sources quoted by the........

© The Times of Israel