“Israel, Hamas close to agreement to halt five-day cease-fire” VS US “No agreement yet.” What is the truth?

WP “Negotiations Underway to Free Over 50 Hostages”
White House “No Agreement Yet…Continuing Efforts”

Reports emerged that the United States, Israel, and the Palestinian militant group Hamas had agreed to suspend hostilities for five days in exchange for the release of dozens of women and children held hostage in the Gaza Strip. However, both sides and the U.S. White House denied this.

On the 18th (local time), the Washington Post (WP) quoted a source saying, “All parties to the conflict have reached an agreement to stop fighting for at least five days and release 50 or more hostages every 24 hours.” It added, “It is not known how many of the 239 hostages currently held will be released, but aerial surveillance will be conducted to verify whether the fighting has actually stopped.”

The cessation of hostilities aims not only to free hostages but also to increase the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Since Hamas’ surprise attack on the 7th of last month, Israel has been besieging and bombing the Gaza Strip.

However, a White House spokesperson told Reuters shortly after WP’s report, “Israel and Hamas have not yet reached an agreement to temporarily stop the fighting.” They added, “The United States is continuing its efforts to reach an agreement.”

There are speculations that Israel may not accept the ceasefire negotiations. Currently, in Israel, there is a clash of opinions between those who believe the hostages should be released as soon as possible and those who argue against dealing with Hamas for the release of hostages.