The Israeli official said there remain significant differences that need to be narrowed before reaching an agreement.

Earlier Hamas announced that its political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, had discussed with mediators Egypt and Qatar some ideas for an agreement to end hostilities in Gaza. Hamas said it is flexible in its demands and maintains a positive attitude toward the negotiations.

On Wednesday night, Hezbollah fired at least 100 rockets in one hour at Kiryat Shmona, the Galilee Panhandle, and the Golan Heights in northern Israel. This was the most intense rocket attack in recent days by Hezbollah, but it did not cause any casualties.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health said Wednesday that nearly 38,000 people have been killed by the Israeli army's nine-month air, artillery and infantry attacks on Gaza. More than 87,000 people have been injured, and thousands are missing.