As negotiators convene in Cairo on Saturday, US and Israeli officials are indicating that any potential agreement on a framework involving a temporary ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza would likely lead to further negotiations to iron out the finer details of the deal.
The final deal between the two parties is anticipated to require several more days of negotiation. While progress has been made on the technical aspects of the potential deal, Israeli sources suggest that it may take up to a week to finalize the agreement.
On Saturday, a US official reiterated that even if Hamas were to accept the proposed deal, it would still necessitate several additional days to work through the specifics that would ultimately pave the way for a truce. These discussions are expected to be challenging and protracted. American officials are cautiously optimistic about the talks, noting progress but remaining mindful of past instances where efforts have collapsed at the eleventh hour.
Meanwhile, as Hamas engages with mediators in Cairo, Mossad Director David Barnea is currently in Israel. However, Israeli sources indicate that he could swiftly travel to Egypt should Hamas agree to the outlined framework.
CIA Director Bill Burns, a pivotal figure in the US's role in the multiparty negotiations, is present in Cairo, according to a source familiar with the situation.
