A diplomatic source tells CNN that mediation efforts on a ceasefire in Gaza are moving in a positive direction “but are not there yet.”
The source also said that fresh reporting about the possible shape of a ceasefire deal in Gaza “describes an agreement that Hamas would be prepared to sign up to.”
The source was referring to a Reuters report early Friday that said that Hamas had presented a Gaza ceasefire proposal to mediators in which the first stage would include releasing Israeli women, children, elderly, and sick hostages in exchange for the release of 700-1000 Palestinian prisoners.
The releases would include 100 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and the release of Israeli "female recruits” held in Gaza, according to Reuters, which said it had seen the proposal.
CNN reported late Thursday that Hamas had sent a new response to Egyptian and Qatari mediators in ongoing contacts over a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza.
CNN has previously reported that the first phase of a deal had been expected to include a six-week humanitarian pause, the release of around 40 Israeli hostages, and a large number of Palestinian prisoners.
A US official tells CNN that the administration currently feels “cautiously optimistic” about the direction that the talks are going. But they declined to share any further details.