Hamas has agreed to a deal to pause the militant group’s war with Israel in Gaza, according to two officials with knowledge of the situation, fueling optimism that a long-awaited breakthrough in negotiations could be close.

President Donald Trump said the remaining hostages will only return once Hamas is "confronted and destroyed" as Israel plans to expand its Gaza offensive.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Bader Abdelattay said on Monday that his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani arrived in Cairo and joined talks on restarting ceasefire negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The proposal would see Hamas release half of the hostages it still holds in return for the freeing of Palestinian prisoners and a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops.

As Egypt and Qatar step up pressure on Hamas in hostage talks, expert Lt.-Col. (Res.) Alon Eviatar says the group remains unmoved, using threats to stall IDF action in Gaza City.

This comes amid reports that mediators in the ceasefire negotiations in the Gaza Strip have submitted a new proposal to Hamas aimed at resuming negotiations