Israel says it is serious about reaching ceasefire, cites positive signs

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Wednesday Israel was serious about reaching a deal with the Palestinian Hamas group to end the war in Gaza and return the hostages held there to Israel.

"We are serious in our will to reach a hostage deal and a ceasefire. We said yes to (U.S.) Special Envoy Witkoff’s proposals. There are some positive signs. I don’t want to say more than that right now. But our goal is to begin proximity talks as soon as possible."