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.

There is cautious optimism an Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release deal could be getting closer, with U.S. and Arab moderators pushing for an agreement as deadly Israeli airstrikes continue.

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,

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.

Long-running Gaza ceasefire talks are progressing, according to both Israeli and Hamas officials who have expressed fresh optimism around the possible end to the war in the Palestinian enclave. A Hamas spokesperson told Newsweek that progress on the talks was "positive and optimistic.

Informed sources told the Reuters news agency that a ceasefire agreement could be finalized in the coming days.

Efforts by the United States and Arab mediators aim to finalize an agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The proposed deal includes a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.

U.S. officials say both Hamas and Israel are making concessions toward securing a deal, but tempered optimism with differences remaining on key issues.

Israel and Hamas are closing in on an agreement to end more than 14 months of war. But so far, the sides remain unable to seal the deal.