The United States is actively working to broker a deal between Israel and Hamas, involving a potential temporary ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza. Initial reports of a tentative agreement were refuted by the White House, which emphasized instead ongoing negotiations. Qatar expressed confidence in reaching a deal despite challenges, while Israel maintains its stance on a ceasefire contingent on the release of all captives.

The United States said Saturday it was still working to secure a deal between Israel and Hamas after the Washington Post reported there was a tentative agreement to free women and children held hostage in Gaza in exchange for a pause in fighting.

Citing unnamed sources, the newspaper said all parties would halt combat operations for at least five days while some hostages were to be released in batches.

The White House quickly responded on Saturday evening with a message on X, formerly Twitter, to deny any major breakthrough. “We have not reached a deal yet, but we continue to work hard to get to a deal,” White House National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said on X, formerly Twitter..

On Thursday Biden had said he was “mildly hopeful” of reaching a deal to free the hostages, believed to include about 10 US citizens.

Qatar has helped broker talks aiming to free some of the 240 hostages held by Hamas in return for a temporary ceasefire, an effort that has so far led to the release of four hostages.

“The challenges that remain in the negotiations are very minor compared to the bigger challenges, they are more logistical, they are more practical,” Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told a joint press conference with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

“The deal is going through ups and downs from time to time throughout the last few weeks,” the premier said.

“I think that I’m now more confident that we are close enough to reach a deal that can bring the people safely back to their homes.”

Israel has so far refused to heed calls for a ceasefire before all the captives are released.

AFP