Israeli negotiators attending ceasefire and hostage release talks in Doha have expressed “cautious optimism,” even as some gaps between both sides persist, a source familiar with the matter told CNN.

Israel's prime minister is sending the foreign intelligence chief to Hamas cease-fire talks; deadly Israeli airstrikes continue in Gaza.

Spy agency director David Barnea’s presence means high-level Israeli officials who would need to sign off on any agreement are now involved.