Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has his movement was nearing a truce agreement with Israel, according to a statement posted on Telegram, AFP reports.

“We are close to reaching a deal on a truce,” Haniyeh said, according to the post.

Intense negotiations mediated by Qatar, where Hamas has a political office and where Haniyeh is based, have been under way.

Qatar’s prime minister said Sunday that a deal to free some of the hostages in return for a temporary ceasefire hinged on “minor” practical issues.