According to the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, all indications point to progress in the indirect negotiations, sponsored by the United States, to finalize a deal that includes a ceasefire in exchange for the release of some Israeli captives.

The paper added that optimism is growing due to the seriousness shown by U.S. President Donald Trump, as his special envoy Steve Witkoff works to overcome remaining obstacles. Meanwhile, Hamas is reportedly showing more flexibility than before, expressing willingness to accept a compromise deal with U.S. guarantees, rather than insisting on a full end to the war as a precondition.