Gaza mediators intensifying ceasefire efforts, Hamas official says | BBC News

A senior Hamas official told the BBC that mediators have intensified their efforts to broker a new ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza, but that negotiations with Israel remain stalled. The comments came as US President Donald Trump said "great progress" was being made since Israel and Iran ended their 12‑day war on Tuesday, and that his envoy Steve Witkoff thought an agreement between Israel and Hamas was "very close". Israeli attacks across Gaza on Wednesday killed at least 45 Palestinians, including some who were seeking aid, the Hamas‑run health ministry said. Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced that seven soldiers were killed in a bomb attack on Tuesday claimed by Hamas.