A senior Israeli official is denying reports that there has been significant progress in talks on a ceasefire deal in the Gaza war. Earlier Reuters reported that the two sides had agreed in principle to a ceasefire plan.

“Reports of progress in the talks are false,” an unnamed official told Israeli media.

“There are very big gaps and no progress in the talks. It is very complicated and there is a constant hardening of positions on the part of Hamas. No one should be under any illusions it will take a long time“, said the same official.

The comments come after Reuters reported that Israel and Hamas were broadly in agreement in principle and that an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners could be reached during a month-long truce, but the framework plan was delayed due to differences on the issue. of the definitive end to the war that Hamas sets as a condition.

Israel also reportedly tabled a proposal this week calling for a two-month ceasefire. Under the proposal, Yahya Sinwar and other top Hamas leaders in Gaza would be allowed to relocate to other countries. Hamas reportedly rejected the idea.