US NSC-'We Are As Close As We've Ever Been' To Gaza Ceasefire Deal

White House National Security Council spox John Kirby claims that “We are as close as we’ve ever been” to a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, going on to urge Hamas to accept the current deal on the table.

• Kirby's comments may be indicative of a genuine prospect of a deal being reached that could see a three-phase ceasefire agreement in return for Israeli hostages being held by Hamas released.
• Alternatively, the US could be trying to accelerate the acceptance of a ceasefire amid heightened regional tensions following the killing of Hamas' political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. An Iranian-directed response against Israel is expected, which risks a broader regional escalation in the conflict.
• The promotion of Hamas' leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar to take Haniyeh's position is also likely of concern to the US. Sinwar is viewed as more militant and less inclined to take the current ceasefire deal. However, the killing of Haniyeh and other senior figures from the 'axis of resistance' in recent weeks could push Hamas leaders to accept a ceasefire deal.
• Jake Epstein at Business Insider: Kirby says "The US is engaged in some “intense diplomacy” to prevent broader escalation... and is watching events between Iran and Israel “extremely closely,”...says that although the US is working hard to lower tensions, he can't predict these efforts will be 100% successful, which is why the Pentagon has deployed additional military assets to the region. The US is/will remain postured to help defend Israel with a “wide range of military capabilities” ...."