US negotiators have been hoping a ceasefire might facilitate their goal of Saudi-Israeli normalization, but Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said Wednesday the kingdom won’t recognize Israel without a Palestinian state. The families of those held in Hamas captivity have also expressed their displeasure with the pace of negotiations.

After months of public optimism about the prospects of a cease-fire, Biden administration officials have soured on the prospects of an end to the war between Israel and Hamas.

WASHINGTON—After months of saying a cease-fire and a hostage-release deal was close at hand, senior U.S. officials are now privately acknowledging they don’t expect Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement before the end of President Biden’s term.