Gaza Israel and Hamas are inching closer to a deal to pause their 15-month war in Gaza and enact a hostages-for-prisoners swap, sources with direct knowledge of the negotiations told The National on Wednesday.

Hamas on Tuesday stood by its demand that Israel fully end its assault on Gaza under any deal to release hostages and said US president-elect Donald Trump was rash to say there would be ’hell to pay’ unless they go free by his 20 January inauguration.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expresses confidence in a near-term Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorised Israeli negotiators to continue talks in Doha on a hostage release, his office said Thursday, after Israel and Hamas traded blame for their slow progress.

Trump threatened to unleash “hell” if Hamas hostages are not released soon, as Biden administration officials note “constructive” discussions with transition team.

Gaza’s health ministry said that 88 people had been killed over the past day. Israeli and Hamas officials have been holding indirect cease-fire talks via mediators in Qatar.

At least 10 people remain missing following Israeli airstrike that completely destroyed residential block in Gaza City, says Gaza Civil Defense - Anadolu Ajansı

Steve Witkoff, President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, said on Tuesday that he was “really hopeful” that they were “on the verge of a deal” to announce the return of the hostages by Inauguration Day.

Serious differences on key issues including the release of hostages on humanitarian grounds and control over the Philadelphi Corridor remain, i24NEWS understands

Hamas has resumed indirect ceasefire talks with Israel in Doha, Qatar. Senior official Basem Naim emphasized the group's commitment to reaching a lasting agreement. The discussions focus on achieving a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorized Israeli negotiators to continue talks in Doha over the release of hostages, his office said