Israel USA speaks of breakthrough on one point after new Hamas proposal

The US government is optimistic in the tough negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip following a new proposal by the Islamist Hamas. A "breakthrough" had been achieved at a point where the talks had previously reached an impasse, said a US government representative. "What we got back from Hamas was a pretty clear adjustment of their position, and we find that encouraging." He did not initially give specific details of the changes.

The response from Hamas could move the process forward and form the basis for the conclusion of an agreement, he continued. At the same time, the government representative warned that this did not mean that a deal would be reached within a few days. "There is still a lot of work to be done," he said. The indirect negotiations, mediated by the USA, Egypt and Qatar, are expected to take place in the Qatari capital Doha.

In this context, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved the dispatch of a negotiating team for further talks on a ceasefire in the Gaza war. Most recently, the negotiations had reached an impasse due to the diverging views of Israel and Hamas on the goal of the negotiations. "We expect this agreement to lead to a permanent ceasefire," said the US government representative.