Developments in Gaza ceasefire talks raise hopes but challenges persist. Here’s what to know

Israeli and US officials showed optimism last week around a ceasefire-hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, as the Palestinian militant group expressed willingness to compromise on a key sticking point. But an agreement may still be elusive despite the new momentum.

Israeli and US officials showed optimism last week around a ceasefire-hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, as the Palestinian militant group expressed willingness to compromise on a key sticking point. But an agreement may still be elusive despite the new momentum. Optimism that a deal may finally be reached came as a senior Hamas official confirmed to CNN Saturday that the group is ready to reconsider its demand that Israel must commit to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza before signing an agreement that would usher in a temporary truce and begin a process to release hostages still held in Gaza. Last week, a US official told CNN that a framework agreement is “in place” and talks resumed Friday in Doha. And, according to Egypt’s state-affiliated Al-Qahera News channel, they will continue in Cairo this week. A statement by the Israeli prime minister’s office on Sunday, however, cast doubt on whether the deal would progress, laying out several “principles” Israel is not prepared to abandon, including resumed fighting in Gaza “until all of objectives of the war have been achieved.” Israel launched its war on Gaza nine months ago, in response to Hamas’ October 7 attack that killed 1,200 people and took more than 250 others hostage, according to Israeli authorities. The war has left swathes of the enclave unrecognizable, displaced almost the entire population and killed more than 38,000 people in Gaza, according to the health ministry there. Israel had said it wouldn’t end the war until all hostages are freed and Hamas is eliminated. Some experts say Netanyahu’s statement on Sunday suggests the deal may face new hurdles.