Labelled such claims as mere illusions, despite US President Joe Biden expressing "optimism." After two days of US-led discussions in Qatar, President Biden commented on Friday that "we are closer than we have ever been" to a deal. However, a senior Hamas official told the BBC that there had been no actual progress, accusing mediators of "selling illusions."

Israel, in response, acknowledged the US and other mediators' efforts to convince Hamas to agree to a hostage release deal. The Israeli military initiated its Gaza campaign in retaliation for a significant attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the taking of 251 hostages. Since the beginning of this conflict, over 40,000 people have lost their lives in Gaza, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry.

A ceasefire agreement reached in November led to the release of 105 hostages by Hamas in exchange for a week-long ceasefire and the liberation of around 240 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Israel claims that 111 hostages remain in captivity, 39 of whom are presumed dead. In a recent joint statement, the US, Qatar, and Egypt announced that they had proposed a ceasefire and hostage release deal that "narrows the gaps" between Israel and Hamas. However, Israel maintains that any ceasefire agreement must include the release of the remaining hostages. While some hostages have been freed, others are believed to have died in Gaza.

Families of the remaining hostages are describing the current negotiations as the "last chance" to save their loved ones. After ten months of war and thousands of casualties, the pressure for a breakthrough is immense. There is widespread concern that if talks between Israel and Hamas collapse, a broader regional conflict could erupt, which all parties involved are eager to avoid.

Mediators described the recent ceasefire talks as "serious, constructive, and conducted in a positive atmosphere," with technical teams expected to continue working on the details of the proposed terms. Senior government officials are expected to reconvene in Cairo to discuss the terms established in Doha, with the hope of reaching an agreement.

Despite the mediators' positive statements, a ceasefire agreement remains elusive. President Biden has previously expressed optimism about a potential deal, but neither Hamas nor the Israeli government has been as hopeful. Israel insists that its position and core principles remain unchanged, accusing Hamas of refusing to agree to a deal for the hostages' release. Many Israelis are skeptical that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's primary goal is the release of the remaining hostages, as he has repeatedly emphasized a "total victory" over Hamas as his government's top priority.

Meanwhile, Hamas leader Yaya Sinwar continues to show little willingness to compromise. In response to President Biden's comments, a senior Hamas official told the BBC that what they had received from mediators was "very disappointing" and that there had been no progress.

Hamas is reported to have abandoned its demand for a permanent ceasefire in favor of President Biden's proposal for a six-week pause during which a more permanent end to the conflict could be negotiated. Biden's proposal also includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza, the phased release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and the return of the remains of deceased hostages.

The "bridging proposal" put forward by US, Egyptian, and Qatari negotiators will be the focus of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's upcoming negotiations in the region and is expected to form the foundation for the next round of talks in Cairo, which all parties, including Hamas, are expected to attend. This proposal reportedly "closes the remaining gaps" between the positions of the two sides, potentially paving the way for "rapid implementation of the agreement." However, significant obstacles remain, and there is still a deep lack of trust between senior Israeli and Hamas leaders. Both sides are being pushed to the negotiation table by external parties concerned about the consequences of a failed deal.

Hamas and its allies suspect that the US administration is attempting to buy time. If Iran were to attack Israel, it could appear as though Hamas undermined the negotiations. Hamas does not hide its desire for Iran and Hezbollah to engage Israel in a broader regional conflict, believing that a strong blow to Israel would weaken Netanyahu and force him to accept a deal. For his part, President Biden has warned that "no one in the region should take actions to undermine this process."

Meanwhile, Israel's military operations in Gaza continue, with an airstrike early Saturday morning reportedly killing 15 people in the al-Zawaida neighborhood of central Gaza, according to the Palestinian civil defense authority. Among the dead were nine children and three women, according to spokesman Mahmud Bassal. Israel has not directly commented on the incident but stated that its forces "eliminated a number of terrorists" in central Gaza, including one who had fired on Israeli forces in the area.

The Israeli military has issued new evacuation orders for several blocks in northern Khan Younis and Deir Balah, further reducing the humanitarian zone where thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought refuge from the fighting. Israel cited significant terrorist activity and rocket fire towards Israel as reasons for the evacuation orders. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) expressed concern, stating that "once again, fear spreads as families have nowhere to go."

Adding to the urgency for a ceasefire, the polio virus, which can spread through fecal matter, is now circulating within the Israeli-designated humanitarian zone in Gaza. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that "the ultimate vaccine for polio is peace and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire."