Negotiations held in Cairo to reach a ceasefire in Gaza were witnessing a “significant breakthrough,” two Egyptian security sources tell Reuters.

The sources said there was a consensus on a long-term ceasefire in the besieged enclave, yet some sticking points remain, including Hamas arms.

The sources said the ongoing talks included Egyptian and Israeli delegations. Mediators Egypt and Qatar did not report developments on the latest talks.

Earlier, Egyptian state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV reported Egyptian intelligence chief General Hassan Mahmoud Rashad was set to meet an Israeli delegation headed by strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer in Cairo yesterday.

Speaking at a conference in Jerusalem last night, before Reuters reported that there had been progress in the talks, Dermer said the government remained committed to dismantling Hamas’ military capability, ending its rule in Gaza, ensuring that the enclave never again poses a threat to Israel and returning the hostages.