Middle East mediators optimistic about reaching a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas

Optimism is being expressed in the mediating countries regarding the potential to reach a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas – according to a report aired Saturday evening on Kan News.

Qatari officials say that following the conclusion of the confrontation with Iran, there is now a window of opportunity to reach an agreement in Gaza. In Egypt, sources claimed that the United States has conveyed a message indicating that President Donald Trump intends to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and present a plan to end the war.

Hamas sources say behind the scenes that the developments appear more serious on the American side, but add that there is still no real breakthrough. According to sources within the terror organization, who spoke today with the pro-Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, Hamas estimates that a partial agreement could be reached within two to three weeks.

Meanwhile, Hamas expressed anger over a briefing given today by a senior Palestinian official to the Arabic-language Sky News channel. According to the official, Hamas is conditioning a deal on guarantees for the protection of its leaders abroad and their financial assets. It appears the briefing came from the Palestinian Authority, aiming to portray Hamas leaders as concerned with their own interests rather than those of the Palestinian people.

Negotiations also involve expanding peace agreements and ending the war. Additionally, the broadcast reported this evening that Israeli officials say there has been progress in the negotiations for the release of the hostages, but talks have not yet advanced to the stage of dispatching a delegation. Two sources familiar with the details said the main dispute currently centers on the conditions for ending the war and the guarantees demanded by Hamas.

Israeli officials emphasize that the negotiations are not focused solely on a hostage release deal, but also address the expansion of peace agreements and the end of the war in Gaza. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close aide to Prime Minister Netanyahu, is expected to visit the United States on Monday to discuss the terms of a ceasefire. His visit will take place ahead of Netanyahu's own planned trip to Washington in less than a month.