Gaza ceasefire could be reached in days, Arab media says

Reports have emerged of a possible temporary ceasefire in Gaza that could be reached by Eid al-Fitr, The New Arab reported Sunday.

Egyptian sources told the London-based pan-Arab news organization that a temporary humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza during Eid al-Fitr in two days is possible. 

Hamas leadership reportedly told Arab media that they "hope that the failure of Netanyahu and his government will lead to a comprehensive ceasefire and the withdrawal of all forces from the Gaza Strip."

These reports come amid the Israeli delegation's departure for renewed ceasefire and hostage negotiation talks on Sunday. According to Israeli media, the negotiating team, which includes Mossad head David Barnea, Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) head Ronen Bar, and Major-General Nitzan Alon, has been given a "significant mandate" from the war cabinet.

Who will the Israel team be meeting?

The Israeli negotiation team is reportedly slated to meet with the prime minister of Qatar, the head of the CIA, and the head of Egyptian intelligence in an attempt to reach a breakthrough in negotiations. 

According to Arab media, Egyptian sources said that Cairo had received assurances that the Israeli team would attend meetings related to negotiations in the coming hours. 

Hamas announced that it sent a delegation to the talks that met with Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel. Hamas added that it was still insisting on a deal that leads to a complete end to the war and the withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Gaza.

Despite gains made by the IDF in recent weeks in the Gaza Strip, Hamas has hardened its stance on a hostage negotiation deal. The terrorist group has listed several stipulations for an agreement, including a full IDF withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza, and the exchange of Palestinian terrorists for Israeli hostages. 

Hannah Sarisohn and Tovah Lazaroff contributed to this report.