"What we are looking at is an agreement over a framework for a possible hostage deal," the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

 

"Tough and long negotiations are expected for an actual deal.” he added.

 

"The indication for positive movement over a framework would be if we send a delegation led by Mossad chief to Cairo.”

 

Earlier today, A Hamas delegation arrived Saturday in Cairo, Egypt for the latest round of talks on a proposed ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal in Gaza, Egyptian state-linked media Al-Qahera News reported.

 

Al-Qahera News, linked to Egyptian intelligence services, quoted an unnamed high-ranking source as saying that "there is significant progress in the negotiations" between Hamas and the Israeli Occupation, and that the Egyptian mediators have "reached an agreed-upon formula on most points of contention".

 

Reports from Hebrew media emerged that Hamas’ leadership has agreed to implement the first phase of the proposed ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal, after the United States pledged through mediators -Egypt and Qatar- that the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) would withdraw completely from the Gaza Strip and stop its aggression - according to a senior Hamas source cited by Hebrew Channel 12.

 

Also Read: “Israeli” official denies reports of agreement to end war on Gaza

 

It added that the CIA Director William J. Burns will return to Cairo to oversee and finalize the last remaining details of the agreement. A Hamas delegation led by Khalil Al-Hayya will also travel to Cairo and arrive today in addition to an “Israeli” delegation.

 

According to Channel 12, the United States committed to Hamas and mediators that “Israel” will not invade Rafah at any point from now.

 

However, there are other points of contention in the deal yet to be agreed upon, particularly regarding the entry of dual-use materials into the Strip – which are items that can be both used for civilian and military applications.