After more than a year of talks, both sides say they are close to a deal that could halt Israel’s bombardment of Gaza and return Israeli hostages home.

The negotiations, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, appear to be making progress after months of failed attempts to achieve a breakthrough.

Hamas has reportedly agreed to a draft of a multi-phase cease-fire deal with Israel that would include the release of hostages who were taken into Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023.