Efforts towards mediating a ceasefire in Gaza are raising hopes of an imminent breakthrough that could expedite the approval of an agreement, following stalled talks since President Joe Biden‘s ceasefire proposal at the end of last May.

• Have negotiations between Israel and Hamas reached a deadlock?

A senior U.S. official stated on Thursday that Israel and Hamas have “a significant opportunity” to reach an agreement on a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages.

The official, who remained unidentified, noted that Hamas‘s recent proposals “have moved the process forward and could provide the necessary basis for reaching an agreement,” while acknowledging that “this does not mean the agreement will be reached in the coming days,” as “there is still much to be done regarding certain implementation steps,” according to Agence France-Presse.

• Suspicious Relationship Between Israel and Hamas… Facts and Testimonies

The official cautioned that this would be “challenging.” The senior U.S. official did not provide many details, simply confirming to journalists that there had been “progress related to a crucial impasse” in the negotiations.

These statements come after a phone call between U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Netanyahu decided on Thursday to send a delegation to negotiate the release of hostages in Gaza, after Hamas announced “new ideas” to end the war, an initiative welcomed by the American president.

• Washington Post : al-Sissi is the only clear victor in the battle between Israel and Hamas

• Stubbornness from Hamas and Israeli conditions are dimming hopes for a ceasefire

The same American source indicated that the talks would take place in Doha.

Washington believes that reaching an agreement leading to the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza, devastated by war, could also lead to calm on the border with Lebanon, where the situation remains highly tense.

• Hamas Remaining in Power and Ceasefire Demand: Israeli Army’s Requests Anger Netanyahu

• Uncertainty Surrounds Hamas and Israel’s Positions on Biden’s Proposal

The U.S. official stated, “If a ceasefire is established in Gaza (…), I believe it provides a real opportunity to defuse escalation and achieve a lasting agreement” also on the Lebanese front.

On Thursday, Hezbollah bombed Israeli military bases “with more than 200 rockets” and “with a swarm of drones rigged with explosives,” in retaliation for Tel Aviv’s assassination of one of its commanders, an escalation that increases fears of escalation between it and Israel.