US and Arab mediators have made some progress in their efforts to reach a ceasefire accord between Israel and Hamas, but not enough to seal a deal, Palestinian sources close to the talks said, according to Reuters.

Qatar, the US and Egypt are making a major push to reach a deal to halt fighting in the 15-month conflict and free the remaining hostages held by Hamas before President Joe Biden leaves office.

A Palestinian official close to the mediation effort said the absence of a deal so far did not mean the talks were going nowhere and this was the most serious attempt so far.

“There are extensive negotiations, mediators and negotiators are talking about every word and every detail. There is a breakthrough when it comes to narrowing old existing gaps but there is no deal yet,” he told Reuters, without giving further details.