Last week, Abu Obaida, spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, warned that the group would not return to partial agreements if the latest round of talks - which now appears to have collapsed - failed to produce a deal.

Both Israel and Hamas are facing pressure at home and abroad to reach a deal following almost two years of war, with the humanitarian situation inside Gaza deteriorating.

On Friday, Steve Witkoff joined U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee and Israeli officials in a visit to Gaza, where he praised a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s food distribution site as “incredible.” The joint U.S.-Israeli aid effort has drawn sharp criticism for failing to meet need and being dangerous for Gazans to access.

President Donald Trump called on Hamas to surrender and release the remaining hostages, saying it would be the "fastest way" to end the suffering in Gaza.

Haniyeh was under U.S. sanctions and wanted by the International Criminal Court. The political leader was the public face of Hamas.

Ismail Haniyeh, political leader of Hamas since 2017, has been the most visible leader of the group during Israel’s war in Gaza, and was key in ongoing ceasefire and hostage release negotiations.