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Significant gaps remain in the negotiations for a hostage release deal, a senior Israeli security official told Ynet on Monday, but expressed cautious optimism that an agreement could be reached within weeks.
The official said Israel is demanding the release of nine to 10 living hostages, while Hamas is currently offering seven to eight and setting conditions that Jerusalem deems unacceptable.
"Military pressure is having an effect," the official added. "Food and fuel in Gaza will run out within weeks, and the achievement of residents returning to northern Gaza has been reversed. There is growing pressure on the population, which is destabilizing them."
The official concluded that a combination of military and diplomatic pressure would likely lead to a deal.