‘No progress’: Israeli official says no breakthrough in talks, Hamas constantly hardening its position

A senior Israeli official reject reports that there has been a breakthrough in the talks for a deal that would see hostages held by terrorists in Gaza released during a temporary ceasefire.

“The reports of progress in the talks and a breakthrough are incorrect,” an unnamed official tells Hebrew-language media.

“There are very large gaps and no progress in the talks. It is very complicated and there is a constant hardening of positions on the part of Hamas. No one should be fooled – it will take a long time,” the official says.

The comments come after it was reported by Reuters today that Israel and Hamas broadly agree in principle that an exchange of hostages held by the terror group for Palestinian prisoners could take place during a monthlong ceasefire, but the framework plan is being held up by the two sides’ differences over how to bring about a permanent end to the Gaza war.

Intense mediation efforts led by Qatar, Washington and Egypt in recent weeks have focused on a phased approach to release different categories of Israeli hostages — starting with civilians and ending with soldiers — in return for a break in hostilities, the release of Palestinian prisoners and more aid to Gaza.

Israel is also said to have made an offer this week for a two-month ceasefire during which Hamas would release the hostages in exchange for Palestinian security prisoners in stages. Under the proposal, Yahya Sinwar and other top Hamas leaders in Gaza would be allowed to relocate to other countries. Hamas reportedly rejected the idea.