“We are not near a deal, meaning that we are not seeing both sides converging on language that can resolve the current disagreements,” Mr. al-Ansari said, without going into detail. Hamas has demanded a comprehensive cease-fire and complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Mr. Mardawi said Hamas also wanted a “just deal” that would result in the exchange of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons for hostages held by militants in Gaza. The Israeli government has said it must wipe out Hamas’s military and administrative capabilities in Gaza before agreeing to end the war. “If not, Hamas will regroup, rearm and reconquer Gaza, and then we’re back to square one.

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