Israel will send the chief of its Mossad intelligence agency to Qatar to continue talks over a potential ceasefire-for-hostages deal in Gaza, in a possible sign the negotiations may be advancing.

Four officials acknowledged that progress has been made and said the coming days would be critical for ending more than 15 months of fighting.

Negotiators are on “the brink” of an agreement to end the fighting and free hostages, according to President Biden.