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,

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.

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.

The White House was hoping for a Middle East ceasefire deal by Christmas but it doesn't look like that will happen with fighting picking up once again in the Gaza Strip.