For months, Israel’s Prime Minister made a ceasefire deal seem impossible. Trump’s imminent return changed that.

The Israeli government and Hamas say that they are in the final stages of indirect talks over a deal for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Diplomats expressed cautious optimism on Tuesday that an agreement between Israel and Hamas may be within reach. But they also warned that it was not signed yet.

Negotiators met in Qatar on Tuesday hoping to hammer out final details of a ceasefire in Gaza, with mediators and the warring sides all describing a deal as closer than ever. More than six hours after talks began there was still no word on an outcome.

Officials say Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages.

President-elect Donald Trump has described a possible ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as being "very close," as the Palestinian militant group has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages,

A deal could be announced as soon as Tuesday, Arab and Israeli officials said, raising hopes that some of the hostages held in Gaza will be freed.

An initial 42-day cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas, being negotiated in Doha, could be finalized in the next 24 hours with the release of 33 hostages currently being held in Gaza, according to senior officials.