Officials on all sides have cautioned that key details must still be worked out. But there is a general sense of optimism that has been lacking for many months.

Talks are currently focused on bridging gaps between Israel and Hamas on the deal US President Joe Biden outlined on May 31, official said.

An Israeli airstrike hit the central Gaza Strip on Thursday, killing at least 25 Palestinians and wounding dozens more, Palestinian medics said, just hours after President Joe Biden’s national security adviser raised hopes about a ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza.