The ceasefire talks between Israel and Kazakhstan have entered their fifth day. Rubio said they are closer to reaching an agreement

The new round of Gaza ceasefire negotiations has entered its fifth day, and US Secretary of State Rubio is optimistic about reaching an agreement.

Reuters reported that Rubio said on Thursday (July 10) during his participation in the meeting of foreign ministers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, that the United States is optimistic about reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. US President's Special Envoy for the Middle East, Witkov, believes that close indirect talks will be held soon.

Rubio told reporters that he spoke with Witkov on Wednesday night (the 9th). "I think we are closer to reaching an agreement, perhaps closer than in the past period of time." "

Negotiations on the ceasefire and hostage-releasing agreement between Israel and Kazakhstan resumed in Qatar last Sunday (the 6th). A person familiar with the matter told AFP that as of Thursday, representatives of Israel and Hamas remained in Qatar, with mediators shuttling between the two sides, exchanging ideas, bridging remaining differences and maintaining momentum to reach an agreement.

The official also said that representatives from Israel, the United States and Qatar held a meeting in Washington on Tuesday (the 8th), aiming to advance the negotiation process and support the ongoing consultations in Doha.

This round of negotiations is based on a ceasefire plan drafted by Qatar and supported by the United States. The framework includes the implementation of a preliminary 60-day ceasefire.