With Israel and Hezbollah agreeing on a ceasefire deal, there is increasing optimism about a similar truce between Tel Aviv and Hamas.
Reports suggests that Hamas is easing its stance on hostage deal and responding positively to Israel's demand to control the Philadelphi Corridor along Gaza's Egyptian border.
Will Israel and Hamas reach ceasefire deal before Trump takes charge?
US president-elect Donald Trump reportedly wants a ceasefire deal in a place between Israel and Hamas before his inauguration as President in January.
Trump's intention was confirmed by Republican senator Lindsey Graham, who met Netanyahu this week in Israel. "Trump is more determined than ever to release the hostages and supports a ceasefire that includes a hostage deal. He wants to see it happening now," Axios quoted Graham as saying.
Pointing out that Trump is focused on the hostages crisis, Graham said the incoming president wants the killing to stop and hoped that both Trump and President Joe Biden would team up to get the hostages released.
Graham had also recently met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to discuss the Palestine crisis and normalisation of ties with Tel Aviv.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed for the control of the border corridor and added the demand into the original proposal he backed ealier in 2024. Netanyahu earlier this week said Israel would agree to a truce only if the hostages are released.
Before his death, Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar maintained that a long war would benefit the militant group.
With Qatar withdrawing from the mediation talks and expelling Hamas leaders from the country in November, the militant group has turned to Egypt to lead the negotiations.
Hamas reportedly realised that it lost its leverage with the Hezbollah ceasefire and would be forced to give up its core demands. However, its leaders are still split over the compromises being taken for the truce deal.