US confirms: Talks in Paris reached understanding on ‘basic countours’ of Israel-Hamas hostage deal

The United States says that multinational talks in Paris came to an “understanding” on a possible deal for Hamas to release hostages and for a new truce in the Gaza war.

An Israeli delegation led by Mossad chief David Barnea was in the French capital on Friday to discuss a deal to ensure a fresh ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

“Representatives of Israel, the United States, Egypt and Qatar met in Paris and came to an understanding among the four of them about what the basic contours of a hostage deal for a temporary ceasefire would look like,” White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan tells CNN.

“It is still under negotiation in terms of hammering out the details of it. There will have to be indirect discussions by Qatar and Egypt with Hamas because ultimately they will have to agree to release the hostages,” he says.

“That work is underway. And we hope that in the coming days, we can drive to a point where there is actually a firm and final agreement on this issue.”