The Washington Post reported that the United States has increased its pressure on Israel and Hamas for fear of a further escalation of the conflict, and is trying to urge the two sides to reach a truce.

The newspaper, quoting unnamed American officials, said that the American administration has become increasingly concerned in recent weeks about the escalation of the situation in the Middle East. Washington began exerting diplomatic pressure on Israel and Hamas after the attacks launched by the Houthis in the Red Sea and the retaliatory strikes by the United States and its allies.

It indicated that the American authorities intend to reduce the intensity of hostilities in the region and focus again on diplomatic efforts to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

A source familiar with the negotiations held in Paris over the weekend told NBC that negotiators from Israel, the United States, Egypt and Qatar reached a new agreement for the gradual release of the hostages, which will be accompanied by periods of cessation of hostilities.

The head of the Hamas Political Bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, affirmed, “The movement is open to discussing any serious and practical initiatives or ideas, provided that they lead to a comprehensive cessation of aggression and securing the shelter process for our people and people.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel "will not end this war without achieving all its goals," and "this means eliminating Hamas, returning all the hostages, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel."