International efforts to facilitate a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas gained renewed momentum on Thursday.

The White House reported positive developments during a visit by a senior envoy engaging with Israeli leaders, while other mediators conveyed encouraging signs from both conflicting parties.

This progress precedes an anticipated summit in Paris over the weekend, where mediators aim to present a new proposal.

The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have been engaged in weeks-long efforts to devise a formula that could halt Israel’s extensive offensive in Gaza.

The urgency has heightened with the approaching Muslim holy month of Ramadan, serving as an unofficial deadline.

White House Mideast envoy Brett McGurk conducted talks throughout the day with Israeli leaders and families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, the Associated Press reported.

“The initial indications we’re getting from Brett are these discussions are going well,” said White House spokesman John Kirby. 

In recent clashes, Israeli airstrikes resulted in the death of more than 70 people in southern and central Gaza, as reported by Palestinian health officials.

Simultaneously, tensions escalated in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where three Palestinian gunmen opened fire on morning traffic at a highway checkpoint.

This incident resulted in the death of one man and injuries to five others, according to Israeli police.

The conflict intensified after Hamas militants breached the border on October 7, prompting Israel to declare war.

The ensuing Israeli offensive has claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 people, with 250 others taken hostage by Hamas.

The impact of the offensive includes over 29,000 Palestinians dead, extensive destruction, the displacement of around 80% of Gaza’s population, and the exacerbation of a humanitarian crisis.

Written by B.C. Begley