CAIRO — Israel and Hamas appear closer than they have been in months to agreeing to a ceasefire that could wind down the 14-month war in Gaza and bring home dozens of people held hostage there. But the sides have come close before, only to have talks collapse over various disagreements. This round of negotiations also faces hurdles.

After months of deadlock, Israel and Hamas appear to be moving closer toward a ceasefire to end their 14-month war. Top officials from the U.S., Qatar and Egypt have resumed their mediation efforts in recent weeks and reported greater willingness by the warring sides to wrap up a deal.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the pressure is on the Palestinian militant group Hamas to move forward with the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, arguing the group’s support from its allies in the region has dwindled in recent months.

Israel and Hamas are approaching a ceasefire agreement after 14 months of conflict, facilitated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt. The deal would occur in phases, starting with a 6-8 week truce. Hamas would release 30 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners,

Informed sources told the Reuters news agency that a ceasefire agreement could be finalized in the coming days.

"We decided to make concessions in order to make the negotiation efforts successful and stop the war in Gaza to spare our people further Israeli crimes."

Talks to reach a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas are 90% complete, but key issues remain that need to be bridged, a senior Palestinian official involved in the talks told the BBC.

Hamas is demanding additional concessions in exchange for the release of 11 men whom Israel wants on the hostage release list. This information was reported by the Egyptian television channel Al-Ghad.

Hamas and two other Palestinian militant groups said on Saturday that a Gaza ceasefire deal with Israel is “closer than ever”, provided Israel does not impose new conditions. Last week, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas mediated by Qatar,

Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip - 16, 2024 The ongoing talks on ceasefire in Gaza have gained momentum, as Hamas announced on Saturday that leaders of three Palestinian factions believe a ceasefire agreement is "closer than ever" if Israel refrains from imposing new conditions.

The possibility of reaching a deal is closer than ever if Israel stops imposing new conditions," Hamas said in a statement on Saturday. The statement comes following a Friday meeting between a Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya,