Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has rejected Reuters reports that he is heading to Cairo for Gaza ceasefire talks.

The news agency earlier said that a deal is expected to be signed in the coming days, citing sources briefed on the meetings.

However, his spokesperson messaged journalists to say: “The prime minister is not in Cairo.”

Mr Netanyahu has today visited Mount Hermon on the Syrian side of the border.

While there, he said Israeli troops will occupy a buffer zone inside Syria for the foreseeable future – and “until another arrangement is found that will ensure Israel’s security”.

Meanwhile, Hamas said a Gaza ceasefire deal is possible but only if Israel did not set new conditions.

This comes after the number of deaths in Gaza in the Israel-Hamas war, according to Palestinian officials, passed 45,000 people this week.

Despite the denials, reports hint at deal optimism

If Benjamin Netanyahu is on his way to Egypt, or planning to go, it would be seen as a significant development in ceasefire talks.

The denials from his office, and on Egyptian state television, suggest it isn’t true, although the reports themselves, so far only from Reuters, are a sign of optimism that a deal could be nearing.

Little has leaked from recent talks, an indication no one wants to jeopardise this opportunity, but there have been reports from all involved that the two sides are getting closer to an agreement.

When this might happen is unclear. Some have suggested within days, but the White House said on Monday night that they hoped it could be finalised before the end of the month, suggesting there are still small areas of disagreement.

It’s understood that Hamas has softened on its demand that Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza before any hostages are released. That would be a major hurdle removed.

But the identity of the Palestinian prisoners to be released in exchange is still being negotiated, as is the status of the IDF in Gaza beyond the initial two to six week first phase of a ceasefire.

White House spokesperson John Kirby has said in an interview with Fox News the US believed the parties were getting closer to the long-awaited ceasefire.

He told the broadcaster: “We believe – and the Israelis have said this – that we’re getting closer, and no doubt about it, we believe that, but we also are cautious in our optimism.

“We’ve been in this position before where we weren’t able to get it over the finish line.”

Mr Kirby did not respond when asked if Mr Netanyahu was travelling to Cairo for talks.

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Egyptian state-affiliated al Qahera News TV also refuted claims of Mr Netanyahu’s trip to Egypt, citing an “informed Egyptian source”.

Mr Netanyahu was supposed to originally be in court on Tuesday over his ongoing bribery and fraud trial, but on Monday he was given an exemption for proceedings citing exceptional circumstances – without any details being made public.