US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby believes discussions on Israeli war in Gaza may lead to a ceasefire in the enclave and pave way for exchange of captives, Al Jazeera reported quoting news agencies as saying.
“Discussions are ongoing, they are active, and … we believe they’ve been constructive,” Kirby said in Washington.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden’s Middle East adviser, Brett McGurk met with the Israeli prime minister and defence minister after earlier travelling to Cairo as part of negotiation efforts.
“The initial indications we’re getting from Brett are these discussions are going well,” Kirby said.
There are also reports that negotiators from Egypt, the US and Qatar will meet in Paris for further talks on Friday, the DPA news agency reports.
Israel has agreed to send a delegation to Paris, the Wall Street Journal newspaper reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The Associated Press (AP) cited an unnamed Western diplomat and an Egyptian official saying there have been “encouraging” signs from Israel and Hamas.