“Israeli” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Wednesday that “contrary to reports,” Hamas has not yet provided its response to the outline of the proposed Gaza ceasefire deal.

 

Earlier, Axios reported that negotiations in Doha, Qatar saw a breakthrough and Hamas leader in Gaza Muhammad Sinwar, approved the proposed deal.

 

Muhammad, younger brother of the late Hamas politburo chief Yahya Sinwar, who is said to be leading the group now, “gave a positive response,” another official added.

 

“There is optimism that an agreement can be reached by tomorrow at the latest,” the report by Axios said.

 

Several “Israeli”, Arab, and Western officials all expressed optimism in the past days that a deal could be finalized this week.