US says cease-fire talks in 'final stage' as Hamas taps Sinwar to be new leader

The White House said Wednesday that mediating parties are as close as they have ever been to reaching a deal between Israel and Hamas for the release of hostages held by Hamas and a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. 

“There is a good proposal before both sides, and they need to both accept that proposal so we can get this in place,” White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters. “We are as close as we think we have ever been.”

Kirby noted that the gaps between the sides have narrowed, though offered no timeline and did not say when talks between the top officials would resume. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also said Tuesday at a press conference that “the negotiations have now reached a final stage.”

Kirby's comments come as Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz slammed the appointment of Gaza-based leader Yahya Sinwar as the new head of Hamas’ political bureau, but experts suggest this move will not hinder the resumption of US-led talks mediated by Egypt and Qatar.