Hamas delegation in Egypt has made progress in discussions regarding a ceasefire: report

The Hamas delegation in Egypt announced Saturday that there has been "noticeable progress" regarding discussions about a ceasefire. 

According to Egyptian media, Israel and Hamas have come to a consensus on a number of disputed points, but it is not known what those points are. Hamas has continued to demand a complete end to the war and withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Gaza.

The Associated Press reports that there have been talks in Cairo to de-escalate the war in stages. But a senior Israeli official told the AP that Israel remains committed to invading the last Hamas stronghold, Rafah, and that it will not agree to end the war as part of a deal to release hostages. 

Israel and Hamas have been at war ever since last year when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 more hostage. 

Both sides are reportedly facing pressure to make a deal to end the war, which has been going on for seven months. 

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been putting pressure on Qatar to get Hamas to accept a hostage deal or risk being expelled from the country, according to The Washington Post.